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In 2023, crime surged in D.C. as homicides reached levels not seen in a generation. In 2024, violent crime receded. But young people here are still living with their guard up and making decisions to keep themselves, their friends and their siblings safe. wapo.st/448q6rR

A new D.C. Council bill would give the fire department’s top doctor the final authority over policies at the 911 center, whose performance has been under sustained scrutiny. wapo.st/4snJ4oj

A $15 million project is underway to repair the fountain at Meridian Hill Park and restore grass on the upper level, among other changes. But some community members are frustrated with what they consider to be poor communication from the Park Service. wapo.st/4sDno7P

The next four weekends will be filled with street parties, concerts, fireworks, family activities and days to go fly a kite, all because of cherry blossoms. This guide has everything you need to know to have, well, a peak experience: wapo.st/47VRtqy

The D.C. area faced one of the most ominous thunderstorm forecasts in years. But much of the feared severe weather failed to materialize. Now some people are asking whether meteorologists got it wrong — and whether an apology is owed. wapo.st/4uz65WG

After a D.C. police officer was shot in the head and shoulder while he sat in his patrol car in 1997, the man convicted of that murder was given a life sentence without parole. Now, he may be allowed to walk free under a controversial D.C. law. wapo.st/4rzTi3o

A probable line of strong to severe storms will hit the D.C. region between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday. Stay alert for damaging winds and tornadoes. Follow @capitalweather's live forecast: wapo.st/4seIDfS

Tens of thousands of tulips were up for grabs on the National Mall on Sunday. 12,500 lucky people were invited to pick 10 free flowers on Tulip Day, organized by a trade association of flower bulb growers in the Netherlands. wapo.st/40D2Q2K

A severe storm today could produce wind gusts of 60 to 80 mph and/or tornadoes. Follow along for live updates from @capitalweather: wapo.st/4seIDfS

Fundraising among the two leading Democratic candidates in D.C.’s mayoral race shows that Janeese Lewis George is getting a boost from labor unions and Kenyan R. McDuffie is receiving support from business leaders, developers and Bowser administration officials, according to an analysis of campaign finance records. wapo.st/40tQbPJ

An intense storm system could bring widespread and severe thunderstorms to the D.C. region on Monday between about 1 and 7 p.m. The storm could produce violent wind gusts, hail, tornadoes, torrential rain and lightning. wapo.st/46YFI2h

A judge ruled Friday, that Bryan Betancur, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter, must avoid all D.C.-area Metro stations for allegedly touching women’s hair on trains while filming himself doing it. wapo.st/4s6V7G9

The founder of Capital Village Public Charter School in Northeast Washington had hoped a last-ditch enrollment push might spark a comeback. Instead, enrollment collapsed. wapo.st/3N2wviP

There is a lot of drama around Virginia’s April 21 referendum on whether to temporarily allow lawmakers to draw new districts that could add four Democratic seats to the state’s congressional delegation. Here’s what to know: wapo.st/4bEZwdz

D.C.'s cherry blossoms are officially on their way — green buds (Stage 1) were spotted on Wednesday. Track how close we are to peak bloom here: wapo.st/46Z113Q

The D.C. Council sued Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) last week, seeking to force Bowser to deliver a host of budget documents prepared by agency directors that she has withheld for years — despite city laws, and a recent court ruling, requiring her to provide them. wapo.st/4spErdr

IndyCar drivers will soon rocket past famous D.C. landmarks at top speeds of approximately 185 mph during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix on Aug. 23. Tap to see the course map: wapo.st/3NevMuT

The number of D.C. police officers continues to plunge as local authorities face new challenges to hiring and retention, such as lucrative packages offered by federal law enforcement agencies. wapo.st/4rmPse3

Jeremiah Woods is lobbying Virginia lawmakers to overhaul the Virginia Military Institute's governance and funding, arguing that incremental changes will leave its Confederate legacy intact and harm future Black cadets. wapo.st/46MC0bW

Janeese Lewis George, a democratic socialist, and Kenyan McDuffie, widely seen as a more moderate candidate, are the leading contenders in the D.C. mayor race. Political observers say it’s clear McDuffie has some ground to make up. wapo.st/4rZWRRG

A red-flanked bluetail, a tiny brown-colored bird with orange sides that's native to Asia, has been spotted in Great Falls Park. Its surprise has rocked the world of birding and made it an internet sensation. wapo.st/4rmefiu