White House pushes Smithsonian to comply with review to receive federal funding

WTOP News 12/22 12:10A WTOP Staff

(CNN) — The Trump administration has signaled to the Smithsonian Institution that the White House could withhold federal funding from the museum organization if it does not comply with the administration’s unprecedented, sweeping review. In a...

Five stories defined the DC-area in 2025

WTOP News 12/21 10:23P Ciara Wells

Trump District of Columbia

Penny ‘funeral’ brings hundreds to Lincoln Memorial

WTOP News 12/21 2:33A Jimmy Alexander

Hundreds of mock mourners headed to the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday to attend a funeral for the penny.  Along with musicians playing taps, there were a couple of Abraham Lincoln look-alikes, actors portraying George Washington, Thomas Jefferson,...

New online hub helps young DC-area filmmakers get connected to start making movies

WTOP News 12/18 9:37P Valerie Bonk

Finding the equipment and instruction needed to get started as a young filmmaker can be extremely difficult. The D.C. Independent Film Festival has launched a new online hub that helps fill that gap. Related stories DC Independent Film Forum...

‘An emotional roller coaster’: Families of DC plane crash victims react to Senate approving ROTOR...

WTOP News 12/18 9:41A Mike Murillo

Families who lost loved ones in a midair collision near Reagan National Airport in January say a Senate vote this week gives them hope for safer skies. The Senate unanimously passed the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act,...

Things to do in the DC area: Santa Clauster-f@%! Holiday Spectacular … and more!

WTOP News 12/18 9:40A Michelle Goldchain

Over 55 local musicians are coming together in Vienna, Virginia, for Jammin Java s annual holiday tradition to host the Santa Clauster-f@%! Holiday Spectacular. Despite the name, the sing-along concerts are great for all ages and all beliefs in...

Trump’s handpicked board votes to rename Washington performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center

WTOP News 12/18 8:29A WTOP Staff

President Donald Trump finishes his remarks in an address to the nation from the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (Doug Mills/The New York Times...

DC renters could see relief in 2026 as Zillow sees rent-buy gap narrowing

WTOP News 12/18 3:52A Luke Lukert

Renters could see some relief in 2026, as Zillow predicts home values will stay relatively flat next year — easing pressure across the housing market and helping keep rent increases in check. Rent affordability is expected to continue improving...

Commanders stadium project sparks debate over public transit and traffic solutions

WTOP News 12/17 9:32P Mike Murillo

As demolition crews tear down the old RFK Stadium and plans for a new Washington Commanders stadium move full steam ahead, D.C. leaders and Metro and Commanders representatives are facing a critical question: How do you move 65,000 fans, as well...

Ranked choice voting in DC moves forward — despite attempt to halt it

WTOP News 12/17 3:00A Will Vitka

Ranked choice voting is coming to D.C. — whether these two council members like it or not. At-Large Council member Anita Bonds and Council member Wendell Felder, of Ward 7, argued for an emergency measure to delay the rollout of ranked choice...

Prehistoric beasts, trains, and Christmas cheer: Experience “Dino-Mite” at the US Botanic Garden!

WTOP News 12/16 1:57A Matt Kaufax

The United States Botanic Garden’s annual model train holiday display is back—with a prehistoric twist. In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” we re heading back in time (to the Cretaceous Period specifically) to celebrate Christmas a little...

Jordans, iMac and a trip to Germany: DC holiday market visitors recount priciest gifts

WTOP News 12/15 10:41P Jimmy Alexander

There’s going to be a lot of budget-busting presents found under the Christmas tree, if the National Retail Federation’s prediction comes true. The group said that for the first time, $1 trillion will be spent this holiday season . While tariffs,...

A warning about a new gift card scam called draining

WTOP News 12/15 8:53P Kyle Cooper

Are gift cards on your holiday shopping list? Beware, there’s a new scam where the balance on cards you buy may disappear before it can be used. It’s called gift card draining. According to a news release from the office of D.C. Attorney General...

Wintry weather freezes DC region, leaving slick, icy roads for AM commute

WTOP News 12/15 1:00A Abigail Stuckrath

An icy road in Virginia that passes the state's Department of Transportation's "passable" standard, Jan 9, 2025.(WTOP/Scott Gelman) An icy road in Virginia that passes the state's Department of...

This Segway tour guide wants to teach even DC natives something new

WTOP News 12/14 10:18P Scott Gelman

In the D.C. region, conversations often start with, “What do you do?” WTOP’s series “ Working Capital ” profiles the people doing the work that makes the region unique. Sherman Outhuok grew up in...