From the National Park Service:
“ATTENTION EVERYONE! We have Peduncle Elongation. I repeat, Stage 4: Peduncle Elongation. The cherry blossoms have reached the 4th of 6 stages on the path to Peak Bloom.”
Peak Bloom has been predicted to arrive between March 29 – April 1. Given tomorrow’s 80+ degree day, I wouldn’t be surprised to see that date bumped up a day or two – stay tuned!!
A reader reported just before noon:
“there are at least two engines and 3 ladder trucks with lots of fire fighters. The house is on the west side of 11th where it his park ne. National guard is being useful for keeping perimeter so that’s a win.”
DC Fire and EMS reported: (more…)
See maps for Navy Yard, Chinatown and U Street below.
From MPD:
“The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announces the establishment of three Juvenile Curfew Zones.
The Juvenile Curfew Second Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 gives the Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department the authority to order a Juvenile Curfew Zone in an area where large groups of youths are gathering or intend to gather in a manner that poses a risk of substantial harm to public safety. (more…)
This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.
DC Open House List for This Weekend: April 17, 2026
Spring (while feeling like summer) is in full bloom across the District, and with 430+ open houses happening citywide this weekend, there’s no better time to lace up your walking shoes and tour in person. Whether you’re hunting for your first condo or a forever home, the neighborhoods are looking their best. To see the full DC Open House list, click here. (more…)
Thanks to Aaron for sending this super sweet Porsche: “And check out the interior!” (more…)
Thanks as always to realtor Kevin Wood for compiling this monthly list of home/condo sales for PoPville. Click below on “February 2026 Sales” (more…)
The DC Chocolate Festival is an annual celebration of all things chocolate, bringing together artisans, educators, and chocolate lovers for a weekend of tastings, workshops, and community engagement. The festival is dedicated to promoting quality chocolate, sustainability in cacao farming, and education on the craft of chocolate making.
This year’s schedule includes a Friday evening session featuring a special presentation from the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund, honoring farmers who grow designated heirloom quality cacao. A tasting of chocolate made from these special beans will follow the presentation. On Saturday, our two classic sessions feature samples and shopping for chocolate from all over the world. Attendees can also attend a full roster of classes Saturday including guided tastings and talks on chocolate topics including genetics, history, and sustainability. We have our first class specifically for children on Saturday morning featuring kid friendly chocolate history and a hand’s on craft!
11th and O Street, NW back in 2010 from the PoPville archives
When I try to explain what certain street looks were like, it’s simply not possible to properly convey what once was. But this gives a taste. What a transformation at 11th and O Street, NW. While I was getting photos of the new Haitian spot coming this summer, this corner totally jumped out at me. I happened to pass a photo from our archives recently and it staggered me.
Here’s how the corner looks today: (more…)
photo by M.V. Jantzen
Thanks to M.V. Jantzen for sending this “misspelled NPS sign at the Lincoln Memorial, on the southeast area of the circle. Seriously, how does this happen?
And what’s crazy is I’m pretty sure they’re trying to point to the MLK restroom/shop. The arrow isn’t even pointing in the right direction. (more…)
From a press advisory:
“WHAT: Rally to save Crunch Fitness
WHEN: Tuesday, March 24, noon
WHERE: Crunch Fitness, 5100 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC
WHY: After 15 years of serving Washington’s Upper Northwest, Crunch’s parent company, Onelife Fitness, abruptly announced it is closing the gym on April 15, 2026.
Finances play a role but aren’t the deciding factor: the gym is thriving and continues to attract new members. (The gym has about 1200 members total.)
The closure appears to stem from two factors: (more…)
photo by Nina Palazzolo
From an email:
“ala is reopening its doors at their Dupont location today, Friday, March 20, starting with the dining room area. The upgrades include a 220 person capacity and bright, Mediterranean-inspired architecture. The patio and upstairs are soon to follow in time for guests to enjoy the warmer weather. The Levantine restaurant which opened in 2021 chose to invest in a renovation now to create a space to truly bring people together in the DC community. (more…)
Are you excited about Polymarket’s Situation Room? Have I got a video for you!
From an email:
“The excitement is building for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, August 22-23, featuring the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES race around the National Mall and the streets of Washington D.C. We’re thrilled to share the new virtual preview and tour of the 1.7-mile seven-turn street circuit that will host the free, two-day motorsports event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with world‑class racing set against the backdrop of some of America’s most historic landmarks.
Please see the Freedom 250 Grand Prix virtual preview” below: (more…)