Our Most Popular Stories From 2013

Top 5 Stories From Washingtonian.com

1) Beyoncé Lip-Synced “The Star-Spangled Banner”
The performer posted pictures of herself rehearsing in a recording studio. 

2) Trial Date Set, Bob Woodward Subpoenaed in Sidwell Friends Sex Counselor Case
A rare, salacious lawsuit against the elite DC private school drags high-profile Washingtonians into unwanted limelight and airs graphic e-mails from the psychologist who taught sex ed at the Obama daughters’ school.  

3) Naked Juice Admits It’s Not So Natural
The PepsiCo brand joins several others involved in lawsuits concerning deceptive health claims. 

4) Ragtime: Code name of NSA’s Secret Domestic Intelligence Program Revealed in New Book
“Deep State” uncovers new details about the agency’s secretive and hugely controversial surveillance programs. 

5) Former Redskin Fred Smoot Arrested for DUI
Capitol Police stopped Smoot near Union Station.

Top 5 Stories From Washingtonian’s Print Edition

1) “Children Are Dying”
Special report: Because of nationwide shortages, Washington hospitals are rationing, hoarding, and bartering critical nutrients premature babies and other patients need to survive. Doctors are reporting conditions normally seen only in developing countries, and there have been deaths. How could this be allowed to happen?  

2) The Age of the Permanent Intern
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? 

3) The Informant
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? 

4) “You’re Pretty—You Could Make Some Money”
In the affluent Northern Virginia suburbs, a shocking problem has taken root: Police and federal agents have taken down dozens of juvenile sex traffickers in the last two years alone. Here’s how one gang recruited teenagers through Facebook, at Metro stations and shopping malls—even in the halls of Fairfax County public schools.  

5) Armey in Exile
The 2012 election was supposed to be the culmination of Dick Armey’s life’s work—his chance to harness tea party fervor and bring about sweeping reform. So when it all fell apart amid a feud with his comrade-in-arms, not even an $8-million payout could console him. 

Chris Campbell