What Made Me: DC Police Chief Cathy Lanier
By Luke Mullins April 3, 2013
DC’s police chief on being a teen mom, not making excuses, and what she does that drives her colleagues crazy. more
What I’ve Learned: Politics & Prose’s Barbara Meade
By John Wilwol March 28, 2013
The bookstore’s former co-owner on reading, why women make better bosses, and Jane Fonda’s dog. more
Behind the Scenes: Inside the Washington National Opera's Costume Studio Workroom
By Carol Ross Joynt March 28, 2013
See what goes down at the WNO studios in Takoma Park. more
A King With No Country
By Ariel Sabar March 27, 2013
He ruled Rwanda for just nine months before fleeing a revolt and has spent the last half century in exile, powerless to stop the violence that ripped through his country. Now 76 and living on public assistance in Virginia, Kigeli V Ndahindurwa longs to return to the throne—but only if his people want him back. more
Secret Service Prostitution Scandal: One Year Later
By Shane Harris March 25, 2013
One year ago, a prostitution scandal rocked the elite secret service and embarrassed the White House. Was that wild night in Cartagena a one-time incident or part of a pattern of agents behaving badly?
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The Making of a Mascot: Georgetown's JJ the Bulldog (Video)
By Kris Coronado March 22, 2013
With Georgetown’s bulldog retiring, a new pup is training to replace him. Here’s how it’s going. more
The Informant
By Kevin Charles Redmon March 7, 2013
It was one of the worst killing sprees in Washington history. The defendants stood accused of killing five young people and wounding eight. The case against them hinged on the testimony of their accomplice Nathaniel Simms. What made him break the code of the streets and help send his friends to prison? more
What Made Me: Studio Theatre Founder Joy Zinoman
By Sophie Gilbert March 6, 2013
Her thoughts on rejection, finding opportunity in unexpected places, and being a woman in theater. more
John Wall Needs a Miracle
By Edward G. Robinson III March 5, 2013
Everyone’s counting on him to turn around one of the worst teams in the NBA—and he believes he can take them all the way to the NBA Finals. Crazy? Maybe. But before you write him off, consider what he’s overcome to get this far. more
Is National Community Church’s Mark Batterson the Most Innovative Pastor in America?
By Krista Kapralos March 5, 2013
His churches are in movie theaters—and his ambitions are as big as the silver screen.
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Behind the Scenes: Inside the Washington Capitals’ Training Room
By Carol Ross Joynt March 4, 2013
Plus—the trainer keeping Caps players in the game. more
The Toxic Waste Pit Next Door
By Harry Jaffe February 28, 2013
Nearly 100 years after the Army buried chemical weapons in DC’s Spring Valley, it’s still finding bombs and lethal chemicals under the homes there. Some residents fear for their children’s safety. Others believe the toxins have already made them sick. more
His Father’s Son
By Joseph Guinto February 13, 2013
Bill Paley’s father was a titan, his mother a goddess, and he—a dropout and addict—“a source of dismay,” some said. Now in his sixties, Paley has revived his family’s cigar business and wants to rewrite his personal legacy. He hopes his father would be proud. more
The Age of the Permanent Intern
By Hannah Seligson February 6, 2013
Many of the ambitious young people who flock to Washington toil for years as low-paid interns—and count themselves lucky to do so. Is this what success looks like in 2013? more
What Made Me: Nora Pouillon, Owner of Restaurant Nora
By Jessica Voelker February 4, 2013
The Vienna-born owner of Restaurant Nora—the first certified organic eatery in the US—on clean eating, taking a big risk, and the cooking school that started it all. more
Second Term Advice for Obama: Be Like Ike
By Evan Thomas January 31, 2013
President Obama could avoid the “second-term curse” of some of his predecessors—ranging from disappointment to disaster—by looking to an unlikely model: Eisenhower. more
Poetic License: US Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey
By Sophie Gilbert January 30, 2013
Trethewey has known prejudice, violence, and loss. Now US poet laureate, she triumphs through the power of words. more
Behind the Scenes: Inside the DC Mayor’s Command Center
By Carol Ross Joynt January 30, 2013
The people watching when something big happens in Washington. more
Jeffrey Goldberg, Washington’s Most Pugnacious Journalist
By Paul Starobin January 29, 2013
He’s hilarious, hugely influential, and beloved by his many powerful friends. But Jeffrey Goldberg’s hotheaded attempts to referee the infighting over Israel make him perhaps the most polarizing journalist in town. Who died and made him Moses? more
Watch Illustrator Steve Brodner Create a Caricature of Jeffrey Goldberg
January 29, 2013
Brodner’s artwork is featured in our February 2013 profile of Goldberg. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012
By Leslie Milk, Mary Yarrison January 14, 2013
For 41 years, The Washingtonian has honored local heroes who make this a better place for all. The ten people we honor this year have found unique ways to help those battling hunger, homelessness, war injuries, troubled pasts, and uncertain futures. They make us proud to be Washingtonians. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: Liz Crenshaw
By Leslie Milk January 14, 2013
Consumer reporting that saves lives. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: David Rubenstein
By Leslie Milk, Mary Yarrison January 14, 2013
Philanthropy that unites Washington. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: Jamila Larson
By Mary Yarrison January 14, 2013
Providing vital play for homeless kids. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: Ken Strafer
By Mary Yarrison January 14, 2013
An inside track on helping wounded warriors. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: Veronica Nolan
By Leslie Milk January 14, 2013
The keys to success for inner-city kids. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: Valarie Ashley
By Leslie Milk January 14, 2013
Giving adults tools for better lives. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: Monsignor John Enzler
By Leslie Milk January 14, 2013
Pioneering programs for the forgotten. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: Kathy Russell
By Leslie Milk January 14, 2013
Creating a haven for kids battling illness. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: Jason Lerner
By Mary Yarrison January 14, 2013
Seeking autism remedies on the tennis court. more
Washingtonians of the Year 2012: John Kane
By Mary Yarrison January 14, 2013
Giving New purpose to old office furniture. more
What Made Me: Melody Barnes, Former Obama Adviser
By Marisa M. Kashino January 10, 2013
President Obama’s former domestic-policy adviser on competitive swimming, her father’s childhood in the South, and turning the big 4-0. more
The New Guard: Keith Turner
January 9, 2013
Keith Turner Vice President for Development Services, Cityline Partners Home to corporate titans such as Freddie Mac and Capital One, Tysons Corner has long been a destination for commuters. Now developer Keith Turner wants those commuters to stay. The... more
The New Guard: John Stanton
January 9, 2013
John Stanton Washington Bureau Chief, BuzzFeed The website BuzzFeed is still long on goofy photos of cats and celebrities caught doing embarrassing things, but it’s hoping to become a go-to news organization with serious political coverage. Its 38-year-old Washington... more
The New Guard: Karla Smith
January 9, 2013
Karla Smith Judge, Montgomery County The first African-American woman to become a Montgomery County District Court judge, Karla Smith is a trailblazer in more ways than one. Before her appointment in August, the 43-year-old was a prosecutor handling child-abuse... more
The New Guard: Marco Rubio
January 9, 2013
Marco Rubio US Senator In his failed bid for the presidency, Mitt Romney lost among women and young people, but nothing hurt more than his record-low support among Latinos, who voted for Barack Obama over Romney 71 to 27... more
The New Guard: Mera Rubell
January 9, 2013
Mera Rubell Owner, Capitol Skyline Hotel For someone chiefly based in Miami, Mera Rubell has a hefty influence over DC’s contemporary-art scene. The collector and owner of the Capitol Skyline Hotel in Southwest is one of the forces behind... more
The New Guard: Erica Reeves
January 9, 2013
Erica Reeves Vice President for Research and Operations, ReveraGen Within days of earning her doctorate from George Washington University in 2008, Erica Reeves was tapped by her mentor, Eric Hoffman, to help lead ReveraGen, a biotech start-up he cofounded... more
The New Guard: Matt Rales
January 9, 2013
Matt Rales Founder, Grassential Farm Matt Rales is one of the few people who can speak energetically and enthusiastically about subjects such as grass, manure, and animal husbandry. He has a passion for humane and eco-friendly conditions and grass-fed,... more
The New Guard: David Muse
January 9, 2013
David Muse Artistic Director, Studio Theatre The Washington Post called Joy Zinoman’s 2010 departure as artistic director of Studio Theatre “one of the most significant changes in years at the top of a Washington performing arts organization,” but David... more
The New Guard: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
January 9, 2013
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Author Dinaw Mengestu and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have a lot in common. Both have received $500,000 MacArthur Foundation “genius” grants— Mengestu in 2012, Adichie in 2008. Both were born in Africa— Mengestu in Ethiopia, Adichie in... more
The New Guard: Dinaw Mengestu
January 9, 2013
Dinaw Mengestu Author Dinaw Mengestu and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have a lot in common. Both have received $500,000 MacArthur Foundation “genius” grants— Mengestu in 2012, Adichie in 2008. Both were born in Africa— Mengestu in Ethiopia, Adichie in Nigeria.... more
The New Guard: Jodie McLean
January 9, 2013
Jodie McLean President, Edens Jodie McLean made an observation during a 2005 cross-country trip that defined her vision for Washington. “Whether I was in Florida or Texas,” she recalls, “everything felt very similar.” The president of the real-estate developer... more
The New Guard: Steve Martin
January 9, 2013
Steve Martin Principal, Gensler As the DC-based head of the law-firm group at the design consultancy Gensler, Steve Martin is eliminating the dark-wood paneling and cavernous partner offices that once characterized Washington firms. Much of the changing aesthetic has... more
The New Guard: Tiffany MacIsaac
January 9, 2013
Tiffany MacIsaac Executive Pastry Chef, Neighborhood Restaurant Group If you’ve ever had the faux Snickers bar at Birch & Barley, the chocolate-banana pie at Vermilion, or the crème fraîche biscuits at Buzz Bakery, you know why Tiffany MacIsaac is... more
The New Guard: Betty Sapp
January 9, 2013
Betty Sapp Director, National Reconnaissance Office For the first time, three major defense and intelligence agencies are headed by women. All three women have spent their careers in defense and intelligence and are accustomed to building, buying, and deploying... more
The New Guard: Arati Prabhakar
January 9, 2013
Arati Prabhakar Director, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency For the first time, three major defense and intelligence agencies are headed by women. All three women have spent their careers in defense and intelligence and are accustomed to building, buying,... more
The New Guard: Letitia Long
January 9, 2013
Letitia Long Director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency For the first time, three major defense and intelligence agencies are headed by women. All three women have spent their careers in defense and intelligence and are accustomed to building, buying, and deploying... more
The New Guard: Meredith Koop
January 9, 2013
Meredith Koop Personal aide, Office of the First Lady Not since Jackie Kennedy has a First Lady had as big an impact on fashion as Michelle Obama. We likely have Meredith Koop to thank for keeping the current First... more
The New Guard: Cameron Kilberg
January 9, 2013
Cameron Kilberg Assistant Secretary of Technology, Commonwealth of Virginia Not long ago, Silicon Valley was the only choice for a technology start-up trying to put down roots. Now Virginia has the nation’s highest concentration of tech workers, with nearly... more
The New Guard: Benjamin Jealous
January 9, 2013
Benjamin Jealous President and CEO, NAACP The NAACP was losing money, members, and clout when Benjamin Jealous became president in 2008. “The association took a gamble when it hired a young community organizer to lead it,” he says. The... more
The New Guard: Chris Holben
January 9, 2013
Chris Holben Program manager, Capital Bikeshare In his ten years as bicycle-program specialist for the District Department of Transportation, Chris Holben has been at the forefront of the city’s evolution from a place with no bike lanes to one... more
The New Guard: Mary Anne Hitt
January 9, 2013
Mary Anne Hitt Director, Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign In July 2011, Mary Anne Hitt watched New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg give $50 million to Beyond Coal, her Sierra Club campaign that aims to fight climate change by... more
The New Guard: George Hawkins
January 9, 2013
George Hawkins General Manager, DC Water One of the worst reputations in Washington used to belong to the District’s tap water. In 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency found high levels of lead in parts of the system. But DC... more
The New Guard: Bryce Harper
January 9, 2013
Bryce Harper Outfielder, Washington Nationals Since the Washington Nationals arrived in 2005, one sportswriter after another has tried to make the case that Washingtonians don’t care about baseball. But the excitement that took hold during the Nats’ stellar 2012... more
The New Guard: Robert Griffin III
January 9, 2013
Robert Griffin III Quarterback, Washington Redskins It took trading away three future first-round draft picks to get him for the Skins in 2012. As a result, Washington has expected a lot—and Robert Griffin III has delivered. “RG3” proved early... more
The New Guard: Gerard Gioia
January 9, 2013
Gerard Gioia Neuropsychologist, Children’s National Medical Center As youth sports injuries become the subject of hot medical debate among parents, one of the nation’s leading experts on pediatric concussions, Gerard Gioia—a PhD, not an MD—has developed two concussion-detecting smartphone... more
The New Guard: Ethan Warsh
January 9, 2013
Ethan Warsh Project Manager, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development The 27-year-old city planner Ethan Warsh is managing a major new development for the DC government on part of the former St. Elizabeths Hospital campus... more
The New Guard: Duane Gautier
January 9, 2013
Duane Gautier CEO and president, Arch Development Corporation Duane Gautier is giving new life to one of DC’s most neglected areas. The head of Arch Development Corporation, a nonprofit founded to help revitalize Anacostia through the arts, has established... more
The New Guard: Travis and Ryan Croxton
January 9, 2013
Travis and Ryan Croxton Founders, Rappahannock Oyster Co. Their business might have started with a Google search (“how to grow oysters”), but bivalves are in the blood of cousins Travis and Ryan Croxton: In 1899, their great-grandfather founded an... more
The New Guard: Ginnie Cooper
January 9, 2013
Ginnie Cooper Chief Librarian, District of Columbia The onetime head of the Brooklyn Public Library is eager to dispel a couple of librarian stereotypes: “I don’t have a bun in my hair, and I rarely say, ‘Shhhh.’ ” But,... more
The New Guard: Michael Chapman
January 9, 2013
Michael Chapman Sheriff, Loudoun County The newly installed head law-enforcement agent in the region’s wealthiest and fastest-growing county faces a multitude of challenges since ousting the 16-year incumbent in a 2011 election. After a career with the Drug Enforcement... more
The New Guard: Lonnie Bunch
January 9, 2013
Lonnie Bunch Director, National Museum of African American History and Culture As the first-ever director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Lonnie Bunch has the challenge of presiding over one of the nation’s most important... more
The New Guard: Mariann Budde
January 9, 2013
Mariann Budde Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington Though the Episcopal Diocese of Washington includes the most famous church in the area—Washington National Cathedral—its membership, like those of main-line Protestant churches in general, has shrunk in recent years. Moreover, the... more
Peter Robinson, DC’s Piano Man
By Ken DeCell January 9, 2013
A veteran cocktail pianist talks about life in Washington’s hotel bars, the problem with politics, raising a family while working at night, and playing with a handicap. more
The New Guard: Joseph Boardman
January 9, 2013
Joseph Boardman President and CEO, Amtrak As CEO of the nation’s government-owned rail company, Joseph Boardman is trying to get passengers up the East Coast faster, championing a $151-billion proposal to turn Amtrak’s Northeast routes into a high-speed rail... more
The New Guard: Holly Bass
January 9, 2013
Holly Bass Poet and Performance Artist In a city not exactly known for performance art, Holly Bass is making a big impact. She was poet-in-residence at Busboys and Poets, where she coordinated open-mike nights. And she has won widespread... more
The New Guard: Tammy Baldwin
January 9, 2013
Tammy Baldwin US Senator In her election-night victory speech, Wisconsin’s senator-elect, Tammy Baldwin, said she didn’t run to make history. But because she’s the first openly gay US senator and her state’s first female senator, her election is historic... more
The New Guard: Eric Anderson
January 9, 2013
Eric Anderson Cofounder and Chairman, Space Adventures The Space Shuttle Discovery’s flight over Washington last year on the back of a 747 marked the end of the NASA program that sent astronauts to the moon. But Eric Anderson is... more
The New Guard: People Who Are Shaping Washington
January 8, 2013
A presidential inauguration marks a moment to look toward the future, and these are the people who are shaping Washington’s. more
Who’s Counting? At the White House, It’s Mark Knoller
By Shane Harris January 8, 2013
Need to know how many times Obama has played golf or used a Teleprompter? CBS’s Mark Knoller is your man. more
Making History: Memorable Moments From President Obama's First Term
By Michael Gaynor, Shane Harris, Susan Milligan, Luke Mullins January 4, 2013
When President Obama took office in 2009, he brought Washington new energy and excitement—and record-shattering crowds. His first term saw victories, but it was far from smooth sailing. Here, a look back at some of the memorable moments. more
Presidential Encounters: Driving Reagan, Caddying for Clinton, Playing Obama, and More
January 2, 2013
What it’s like to ferry the President around town, move into the White House, make a living impersonating the chief executive—and more tales of encounters with the commander in chief. more
Where the Obama and Romney Campaigns Spent Money During the Election
By Nicholas Hunt January 2, 2013
Which campaign spent more at Pizza Hut? more
Looking Ahead to 2016: Hillary Clinton vs. Paul Ryan?
By Nicholas Owen January 2, 2013
After the most expensive presidential campaign in history—and one of the noisiest—Americans are enjoying the post-election calm. But for Hillary Clinton and Paul Ryan, likely front-runners for the next presidential election cycle, the 2016 campaign has already begun. Here’s how they can become their parties’ standard bearers. more
Road to the White House: Behind the Inaugural Parade
By Travis M. Andrews January 2, 2013
It takes an army of workers and volunteers to pull off the inaugural parade—which runs from the Capitol to the White House—while keeping the President and First Lady safe. Here’s how it’s done. more
Bo: A Dog’s Life in the Obama White House
By Marisa M. Kashino January 2, 2013
Bo is one lucky pooch—he has the run of the White House, has vacationed on Martha’s Vineyard, and has Michelle wrapped around his little paw. But he earns his keep, too, and helped his owner win a second term. more
Eater in Chief: Where Barack Obama Should Eat Out During His Second Term
By Todd Kliman January 2, 2013
Congratulations, Mr. President—a second term. Now the pressing question: Where will you be eating? more
What Made Me: Opera Star Denyce Graves
By Sophie Gilbert December 6, 2012
The DC native on telling stories, discovering music, and the power of being yourself. more
The Timekeeper Behind America’s Master Clock
By Sam Kean December 5, 2012
Demetrios Matsakis is in charge of the clock that keeps the Internet, cell phones, GPS—and, basically, life as we know it—running smoothly. more
Head of CBO: America’s Financial Counselor in Fiscal Cliff Talks
By Paul Quinlan December 4, 2012
Doug Elmendorf takes pride in offending both parties—and chooses his words very carefully. more
Mission Adulthood: An Excerpt From Hannah Seligson’s New Book
By Hannah Seligson December 3, 2012
The author of “Are Twentysomethings Expecting Too Much?” shares a chapter from her book about the work and personal lives of twentysomethings. more
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Presidential Seal
By Carol Ross Joynt December 3, 2012
Inside the Department of the Army’s Institute of Heraldry. more
Remains of the Day
By Matt Mendelsohn November 28, 2012
A wedding photographer sets out to learn what happened to the couples who hired him for their big day. more
Crisis at the Corcoran
By Luke Mullins November 27, 2012
With the museum hemorrhaging money, the building in need of massive repairs, and staff and supporters up in arms over a possible move, the institution’s future has never looked more uncertain. more
The Bearable Lightness of Being Tucker Carlson
By Tom Bartlett November 26, 2012
He knows that people loathe him, think his career is in the toilet, and believe that his website, the Daily Caller, marks a new low in journalism. But the truth is that Tucker Carlson couldn’t be happier. more
2012 Business Hall of Fame: Eyes on the Prize
By Leslie Milk November 12, 2012
Five leaders whose powerful visions brought success to their colleagues, their clients, and their communities. more
Business Hall of Fame: Ronald D. Paul
By Leslie Milk November 9, 2012
Banking on the local community. more
Business Hall of Fame: M. Charito Kruvant
By Leslie Milk November 9, 2012
Building a global business by building communities. more
Business Hall of Fame: Giuseppe Cecchi
By Leslie Milk November 9, 2012
Pioneer in mixed-use development. more
Business Hall of Fame: John Darvish
By Leslie Milk November 9, 2012
Driven to build an automotive empire. more
Business Hall of Fame: Thomas Hale Boggs Jr.
By Leslie Milk November 9, 2012
Perfecting the practice of influencing public policy. more
Playing With Fire: Inside the World’s Largest Fire-Science Laboratory
By Michael Gaynor November 6, 2012
Inside the ATF’s lab, researchers recreate infernos to find clues hidden in the ashes that can bring the guilty to justice and set the innocent free. more
Saint Marion: The Political Obituary of Marion Barry, DC’s “Mayor for Life”
By Harry Jaffe November 1, 2012
Once a great leader, Barry has been a force in DC for 51 years and has changed and shaped the city more than anyone since Pierre L’Enfant. more
What Made Me: Best-Selling Author David Baldacci
By Carol Ross Joynt November 1, 2012
The novelist and lifelong Virginian on delivering newspapers, why writers need fear, and his favorite presidents. more
Into the Fray: How Tom Ricks Joined the Debate Over Military Policy
By Shane Harris October 31, 2012
Tom Ricks used to report on wars for The Washington Post. Now he’s one of the most influential voices arguing over how they should be fought. more
A Modest Proposal To Fix Washington: Bring Back the Booze
By Susan Milligan October 31, 2012
In this divisive era, couldn’t a little more bipartisan alcohol help? more
Cracking the College-Admissions Code
By Mary Clare Glover October 25, 2012
Nina Marks has a knack for getting kids into top colleges. She says it’s all about finding the right hook. more
The Things They Leave Behind: Artifacts From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
By Rachel Manteuffel October 24, 2012
When the Vietnam Veterans Memorial opened 30 years ago this month, something unexpected happened: People started leaving things at the wall. One veteran has spent decades cataloging the letters, mementos, and other artifacts of loss—all 400,000 of them. more
Behind the Scenes: CNN's Control Room
By Carol Ross Joynt October 23, 2012
A peek at the multimillion-dollar state-of-the-art space inside the network's DC headquarters. more
