WTOP | Washington’s Top News | DC, MD & VA News, Traffic & Weather

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals takes the ice for pregame warm-ups before a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 12, 2026, at D.C.'s Capital One Arena. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

'I don't think this is as simple as it may appear': Why Alex Ovechkin's return to Capitals may not be his call

House DC

DC mayor intends to declare emergency to bring back curfew zones

Edward L. Kelly Leadership Center

Prince William Co. board could remove $31M from county schools' budget

Army Helicopter Aborted Landing

Pilots’ animal noises in the cockpit have FAA listening

The shooting happened at the Circle Seven Express convenience store in the 700 block of Kenilworth Avenue just off Interstate 295 on April 14, 2026.

Police identify 2 boys killed in shooting in DC's Mayfair neighborhood

Ocean City, Maryland, USA Sept 3, 2024 People on the beach with big waves.

Will Maryland’s favorite beach town have enough international student workers this summer?

New
Columbia Pike gets an underground makeover

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Teen charged for graffiti referencing Sandy Hook at Bethesda elementary school

Md. vaccine policy 'will be led by science': New law decouples guidance from federal agencies

News Alert
Jury finds that Ticketmaster and Live Nation had an anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues

Washington County ICE facility construction limited by federal judge

‘Less people and better results:’ IRS CEO says filing season goals met after 27% staffing cut

washington commanders

See the Commanders' new uniforms with a nod to the past

The sun rises behind the Washington Monument.

DC area hits record highs Wednesday as heat wave moves through East Coast

Linh Mai, the latest Asian elephant calf born at the National Zoo in D.C., is a very punctual young lady, demanding her bottle every two hours.

In one week, you can meet a 460-pound bundle of joy at the National Zoo

A fountain in front of the Washington Monument sprays water on the National Mal

'Great American State Fair' to take over National Mall for 16 days

Tabitha Hyun sits at a microphone in a WTOP studio

‘That was awesome’: A ‘Wish Kid’ cooks with her favorite celebrity chef

01:12

Wish Kid cooks with favorite celebrity chef

01:43

Meet a new baby elephant at the National Zoo

01:18

Two DC-area athletes, Azzi Fudd and Kiki Rice, make history at WNBA Draft

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Meet Doodle Bug, a gentle pup who’s ready to meet you

02:48

How you can learn to sing barbershop

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The tradition behind your trendy cup of matcha

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What you need to know before tick season

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Search underway in cold case disappearance of Katelin Akens

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Do Caps fans think this is Alex Ovechkin’s last season?

01:27

‘Don’t Fairfax Me’: Northern Virginians fight redistricting plan

02:05

Artemis II astronauts return to Earth

00:55

Free parking on Sundays may be ending in Alexandria

00:53

IndyCar driver excited for ‘special’ Freedom 250 Grand Prix in DC

01:16

What some Prince George’s residents want to see at the former Six Flags

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WTOP Explains: Trump's Impact on Global Public Health

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In preparation for America 250, the Reflecting Pool gets a deep clean

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Relief from high gas prices may be coming soon

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Chef Kevin Tien brings bold, unexpected flavors to newest restaurant

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Did you know about Takoma Park's bird song pay phone?

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Capitol Riot Anniversary Police

Justice Department moves to toss seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys

The Prince William County Board of Supervisors heard from residents about the Digital Gateway Plan. (Courtesy Prince William County Board of Supervisors)

Prince William Co. pulls out of legal fight over data center project on 'hallowed ground'

house burnt down after fire

1 dead, 1 injured in Bethesda, Md. house fire

America 250: When oil took the reins: How petroleum replaced animal power

America 250 | In Partnership with The American Petroleum Institute

President Donald Trump said he will fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell if he does not step aside when his term expires next month.

Trump says he’ll fire Powell next month if he stays in his role at the Fed

National Children’s Center CEO: Little things make big difference

Insight by Kaiser Permanente

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND - AUGUST 21: As a Maryland State flag flies in the foreground, the Maryland State House is seen on August 21, 2023 in Annapolis, Maryland. The Maryland State House is the oldest U.S. State Capitol that is still in continuous legislative use in present days since 1772. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Maryland leaders tout ‘highly productive’ session at first bill signing after Sine Die

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin reacts before an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Chants of '1 more year' follow Washington Capitals' Ovechkin off the ice as retirement decision looms

a man and a woman smile for a photo

Virginia decriminalizes suicide with approval of new law

Happy african american husband and pregnant woman hugging belly at home. Smiling black man hugging happy pregnant wife sitting on sofa and holding tummy. Mature loving couple expecting their first baby.

Pregnancy is more risky for Black moms. What a doctor says partners can do to help

robert white speaks behind podium at rally

DC Del. candidate Robert White calls for opponent to withdraw after opposition research posted online

The Lakeforest Mall

Lakeforest Mall demolition ushers in start of $1.2B redevelopment project

Election 2026 Redistricting Virginia

Democrats line up to run in Virginia congressional districts, even before voters approve them

Vrabel Russini Football

NFL reporter Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic after photos published of her with Mike Vrabel

Patty and Doodle Bug are WTOP's Pets of the Week. (Courtesy Humane Rescue Alliance)

ADOPT ME: Doodle Bug and Patty are ready to become part of your family!

Jason Buckel

Anticipating future budget gaps, Maryland lawmaker calls for cost containment for education spending

Traffic

A street is seen blocked during the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group

Some DC streets close this week for IMF and World Bank spring meetings

County News

Prince William Co. board could remove $31M from county schools’ budget

DC mayor intends to declare emergency to bring back curfew zones

Police arrest teen in connection with graffiti at elementary school that referenced Sandy Hook

Columbia Pike gets an underground makeover

Will Maryland’s favorite beach town have enough international student workers this summer?

black and white photo of 1800s car

America 250: When oil took the reins: How petroleum replaced animal power

Radar with state-of-the-art semiconductor tested at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground

American 250: Radar, the technology that took surprise out of war

Tudor Place

America 250: Historic Georgetown home reveals rare Washington family treasures

VIDEOS

Melania Trump

WATCH: Melania Trump says, 'I am not Epstein's victim'

NASA Artemis Moonshot

WATCH: How Artemis II crew is preparing to go home

Musk Trump

WTOP Explains: Trump’s impact on the global health landscape

PHOTO GALLERIES

Patty and Doodle Bug are WTOP's Peets of the Week.

WTOP's Pets of the Week

The earth as viewed from space

PHOTOS: Artemis II crew sends first photos from long-in-coming lunar mission

Children are seen at the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House,

PHOTOS: Patriotic flair for White House Easter Egg Roll 2026

DC

water taxi on potomac river with washington monument in backgroun

Potomac River ranks No. 1 on new list of 'Most Endangered Rivers'

SPORTS

NCAA South Carolina UCLA Basketball

'They know the player they’re getting in me': Bethesda native Kiki Rice on being selected in WNBA draft

Virginia

a person shirtless with clothing wrapped around head and face on surveillance footage

As neighbors cheer, police arrest naked man suspected in Fairfax Co. home break-ins

Sponsored

How Montgomery County develops a workforce pipeline to meet employer demands

How Montgomery County develops a workforce pipeline to meet employer demands

Insight by Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation

22 Hours: A Second Look

CLOSER LOOK, E3 - Understanding The Why and How

#13, Carla Hall on failure, joy and the mindset that builds entrepreneurs

Beyond the Fame with Jason Fraley

Paula Poundstone (Part 5)

WTOP's DC Sports Huddle

How the Commanders 'win' NFL free agency

493 | Denmark Confronts Trump Administration over Greenland

thERINpy with Erin Washington

Marni Battista, life design coach and author of Your Radical Living Challenge

From Our Partners

WTOP News Welcomes Kristin Diaz as New AM Drive Anchor

WTOP News Welcomes John Wordock as New Business Reporter 2026

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