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The Best Washington DC News This Week (December 18th)

The Best Washington DC News This Week (December 18th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Washington DC.

Matthew Larsen
December 18, 2023

Welcome to The Washington DC Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis appoints new leader
St. Louis City SC offseason trade
A deep dive into the life of Maya Angelou
And more…

Quote of the Week

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

This towering monument in Washington D.C. was built to honor the first President of the United States, George Washington. What is this monument called?

A) The Lincoln Memorial

B) The Jefferson Memorial

C) The Washington Monument

D) The Roosevelt Memorial

News

💼 Business

2023 saw a significant number of lease renewals dominating Washington DC's office market. The real estate sector experienced high vacancy rates, reaching over 20% in the summer, before settling at around 18.7% by the year's end. Federal tenants and law firms were active in renewals, taking advantage of declining rents and attractive amenities. The largest lease was by the Securities and Exchange Commission with a 1.1 million-square-foot extension.

Increase in Restaurant Closures Due to Crime: Washington DC witnessed a rise in restaurant closures in 2023 compared to the previous year. This increase was attributed to several factors, including higher operational costs, fewer diners, and notably, the city's rising crime rate. The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington reported that while 48 restaurants closed in 2022, the number rose to 52 in 2023. The closures are partly attributed to security concerns and increased operational budgets for safety measures.

🏒 Sports

Year-End Sports Reviews: End of the year is a common time for retrospectives and reviews of the year's top sports stories, which might include achievements, notable games, and player highlights from the DC area.

Sports Broadcasting and Media Coverage: There were developments in sports broadcasting and media coverage related to Washington DC teams, influencing how fans engage with their favorite sports and teams.

Famous People In Washington DC History

John Philip Sousa: 1854-1932

Early Life and Music in Washington D.C. (1854-1880)

John Philip Sousa, born on November 6, 1854, in Washington D.C., grew up in a musical environment. His father, a trombonist in the U.S. Marine Band, introduced young Sousa to the world of military bands and music. Sousa's early exposure to band music in the capital city significantly shaped his future career as a composer and conductor.

The "March King" and Military Bands (1880-1892)

Sousa became the leader of the U.S. Marine Band in Washington D.C. in 1880. His leadership and compositions elevated the band's status and popularized military band music across the country. Sousa's marches, composed during his time in D.C., earned him the title "The March King."

Creation of Sousa Band and National Fame (1892-1932)

After leaving the Marine Band, Sousa formed his own band, which became famous both in America and internationally. His marches, such as "The Stars and Stripes Forever" and "Semper Fidelis," became synonymous with patriotic American music. Sousa's deep connection to Washington D.C. and his military band experience were always central to his music and identity.

Death and Legacy (1932)

John Philip Sousa passed away on March 6, 1932. His legacy as a composer and conductor is deeply rooted in American culture. Sousa's contributions to military and patriotic music reflect his upbringing and career in Washington D.C., and he remains one of the most famous bandmasters in American history.

Key Achievements of John Philip Sousa:

Renowned composer and conductor known as "The March King."
Leader of the U.S. Marine Band in Washington D.C.
Composed iconic marches like "The Stars and Stripes Forever."
His music is a staple at military and patriotic events.
Sousa's influence on American band music is unparalleled.