Will D.C.'s budget fiasco derail Metro funding?

Hi everyone,

Welcome back to another busy week of news. Like students across D.C., Congress is still on spring break – and the ramifications of the House spending bill that would drain some $1 billion from the city's budget continue to spiral.

This week, we take a look at what D.C.'s current budget fiasco could mean for Metro's financial health (and, because it's quite complicated, explain how the transit system's regional funding model works in the first place).

We've also got updates from the Wilson Building, where — amidst the chaos of a potential spending freeze — Mayor Bowser and the Commanders are reportedly very, very close to inking a $3 billion deal that would bring the team back to the RFK site.

For fun, we rounded up some close-to-home staycations for a hassle-free escape. And, for the second time in The 51st's young life, we're back on the sports beat with a recap of the Wizards' pitiful, yet largely transformative, 2024-2025 season.

Keep scrolling for ways to plug into local organizing and other news you might've missed. And don't forget! We're always fielding your questions for our Ask A D.C. Native column — you can submit those here — and your eavesdropped tidbits for Overheards, which you can share here.

– Colleen

Overheard of the Week:

Metro faces uncertainty as D.C. budget showdown drags on

The congressional bill that sent D.C.’s budget season into chaos could impact over $200 million in emergency Metro funds. But this certainly isn’t the first time — and probably won’t be the last time — the transit system faces a financial scare. We break down what’s at stake and explain how a shifting federal landscape could make Metro’s regional funding model even more complicated.

Wilson Building Bulletin: Commanders' stadium deal takes shape

News is circulating this morning that Mayor Bowser and the Commanders may soon close a deal that would bring the team back to the old RFK site. Meanwhile, the councilmembers are juggling various bills: one that would make it easier for them to meet in secret, another that would reshape D.C. stairwells (yes, stairwells!), and another that would provide tax breaks for developers building near Metro stations.

ICYMI: Bowser freezes spending thanks to Congress

Let the cutting begin. On Tuesday, Bowser ordered a government-wide freeze on spending to address the $1.1 billion hole Congress blew in the city's budget. Officials say it's the first step in an unexpected and challenging rush to scale back expenses in the middle of the city's fiscal year.

Five spring staycation ideas near D.C.

We may have dreams of vacation grandeur in the spring, but we can't all be living the White Lotus life. (Which is ... a good thing?) We can, however, head to the White Lotus Spa in Virginia or a cute hotel in Baltimore's Fells Point for a cozy spring break close to home. Contributor Tim Ebner rounds up five local-ish destinations for those seeking a city escape without the hassle.

Despite a mountain of losses, the Wizards are still on the path to success

As the old adage goes: April showers bring May flowers. Contributor Chris Mills Rodrigo says the best way to think about this Washington Wizards season — which ended Sunday with a dismal 18-win and 64-loss record — is as an extended April. But with bright prospects for the 2025 draft and a cadre of developing rookies, the team's metaphorical May could soon be in bloom.

Organizer trainings and orientations: Your weekly Civics Roundup

Whether you're just joining an organization or a long-time movement member, there are plenty of trainings, workshops, and orientations around D.C. this week. Plus, you can give the National Park Service your opinion on a potential Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway redesign.

Here's more news you may have missed this week:

• Gas bills are soaring in D.C., and the city's regulators aren't doing anything about it. [GGWash]
• A look at how 10 years of Bowser have shaped D.C. [Post]
• Oh brother: Ed Martin, Trump's pick for D.C.'s U.S. Attorney, has appeared on Russian state media over 150 times. [Post]
• Ohhhh brother! The Kennedy Center will be lit up every night in red, white, and blue. Because patriotism. [Kennedy Center]
• City Cast asks: Do streeteries belong in D.C.? (This writer says YES!) [City Cast]
• A local rideshare company for kids got shut down for operating without necessary licenses. [Washington Informer]
• How D.C.'s leaders should stand up for the local queer community in the face of national attacks. [Washington Blade]
• Don't feel like reading any of these? Here's a Duck Cam. [Planet Word]

That's all from us. See you next week!

-Colleen