Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Michael Davis Signs with Commanders

• Upcoming D.C. United home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Woodrow Wilson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”

— Dale Carnegie

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!

Which Washington DC museum is dedicated to the history of aviation and space exploration?

A) The National Air and Space Museum

B) The National Museum of American History

C) The Smithsonian American Art Museum

D) The National Gallery of Art

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The memorial in Washington DC that features a statue of three soldiers and is dedicated to veterans of the Vietnam War is:

C) The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

News

💼 Business

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif) Announces Shannan Herbert as its New CEO. (link)

FanDuel set to open second D.C. sportsbook just in time for March Madness. (link)

How Peter Anthony of Washington, DC Infuses His Company with a “Men for Others” Approach. (link)

🏒 Sports

After one week of free agency the Washington Commanders brought in two new cornerbacks to help bolster an otherwise suspect group. (link)

Chargers Ex Michael Davis Signs with Commanders. (link)

Lionel Messi misses inter miami game against D.C United. (link)

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is officially signined with the Washington Commanders. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Washington Area Community Investment Fund has named a new CEO at a pivotal time for the D.C.-based community development financial institution. (link)

The Bowser administration missed deadline to submit the fiscal year 2025 budget to the DC Council. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports Events

🏒 Washington Capitals vs. Detroit Red Wings
Capital One Arena, Washington DC
Tuesday March 26 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 Washington Wizards vs. Brooklyn Nets
Capital One Arena, Washington DC
Wednesday March 27 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚽ D.C. United vs. CF Montréal
Audi Field Washington, DC
Saturday March 30 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏀 Washington Wizards vs. Miami Heat
Capital One Arena, Washington DC
Sunday March 31 | 6:00 | (more info)

Concerts

🎤 Zach Bryan
Capital One Arena Washington, DC
Monday March 25 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 GROUPLOVE: Rock And Roll You Won't Save Me Tour
9:30 CLUB Washington, DC
Wednesday March 27 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎹 Steve Aoki
Echostage Washington, DC
Friday March 29 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

🪕 Deep Dive Live
The Atlantis Washington, DC
Saturday March 30 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Family-Friendly Events

🖼️ Mark Rothko: Paintings on Paper
The National Gallery of Art
ongoing until March 31 | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “High-tech urban farm towers and green rooftops in Washington DC” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Washington D.C. Historical Events

Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (1865)

On the evening of April 14, 1865, an event that would forever alter American history occurred at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.: President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. The president, accompanied by his wife Mary Todd Lincoln and two guests, was watching the play "Our American Cousin" when John Wilkes Booth, a well-known actor and Confederate sympathizer, stealthily entered the presidential box. Without drawing the attention of the audience, Booth fired a single shot from his Derringer pistol into the back of Lincoln's head, causing immediate critical injuries. Booth then leapt onto the stage, shouting "Sic semper tyrannis!"— "Thus always to tyrants," the Virginia state motto—before fleeing the chaos he had instigated.

The aftermath of the shooting was fraught with panic and confusion. Medical professionals in attendance rushed to aid the mortally wounded president, but it was quickly apparent that the injury was beyond repair. Lincoln was carried across the street to the Petersen House, where doctors attended to him through the night. Despite their efforts, at 7:22 a.m. on April 15, 1865, Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, succumbed to his injuries, marking the first time in American history that a sitting president had been assassinated. Lincoln's death plunged the nation into deep mourning, coming just days after the official end of the Civil War, extinguishing the joy that had spread through the Union.

The assassination of Abraham Lincoln had a profound and lasting impact on the course of American history. John Wilkes Booth was eventually found and killed; several co-conspirators were arrested and executed. Lincoln's vision for a gentle Reconstruction of the Southern states was cast aside, replaced by a harsher approach that would shape the trajectory of the nation's recovery from civil war. His death elevated him to a martyred hero, forever enshrined as a symbol of unity and emancipation. The loss of Lincoln's leadership during such a critical period left an indelible mark on the United States, shaping its policies and social fabric for generations to come.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)

Woodrow Wilson was the 28th President of the United States, an influential leader during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history. His presidency, spanning the critical years of World War I, left an indelible mark on both the nation and the world.

Early Years and Education (1856–1879)

Born in Staunton, Virginia, Woodrow Wilson grew up in the Reconstruction South, witnessing the aftermath of the Civil War, which profoundly shaped his political and personal beliefs. Excelling academically despite initial difficulties due to dyslexia, Wilson attended Princeton University, where he showed a keen interest in political science and public policy.

Academic Path and Progressive Ideals (1880–1902)

Wilson quickly rose through academic ranks, teaching at Bryn Mawr College and Wesleyan University before being appointed to Princeton. His tenure as Princeton's president was marked by educational reforms aimed at democratizing the student body and curriculum. Alongside academia, Wilson developed a progressive political philosophy that emphasized the need for a more active and responsive federal government.

Entry into Politics (1902–1912)

Wilson's foray into politics began with his election as the Governor of New Jersey in 1910. His tenure was characterized by significant reforms, including the introduction of workers' compensation and regulation of corporations, which propelled him to national prominence and set the stage for his presidential bid.

Presidency and Domestic Reforms (1913–1917)

Upon assuming the presidency, Wilson focused on a series of domestic reforms known as the New Freedom, which sought to break the hold of monopolies and restore economic competition. Key achievements included the Federal Reserve Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the establishment of the Federal Trade Commission.

World War I and Neutrality (1914–1917)

As Europe descended into World War I, Wilson initially declared U.S. neutrality, adhering to a policy of non-intervention. However, unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and other provocative acts eventually compelled the United States to enter the war in 1917, under Wilson's leadership.

Leadership During World War I (1917–1918)

Wilson's tenure during World War I was marked by significant mobilization efforts and the introduction of progressive wartime measures, including the Sedition Act of 1918. His leadership helped secure victory for the Allies, reshaping the global order.

The League of Nations and the Treaty of Versailles (1919)

Following the war, Wilson became a leading figure in the Paris Peace Conference, where he championed the creation of the League of Nations, an organization aimed at ensuring world peace. Despite his efforts, the U.S. Senate rejected the Treaty of Versailles, largely due to opposition to the League, which they feared would compromise U.S. sovereignty.

Connection to Washington DC

Wilson's presidency deeply intertwined his legacy with Washington DC, not only through his leadership during pivotal moments in the nation's history but also through his significant reforms and policies that transformed the American government and its relationship with its citizens.

Later Years and Legacy (1920–1924)

After leaving office, Wilson remained in Washington DC, where he spent his remaining years advocating for the League of Nations and reflecting on his presidency. Despite his controversial stances on race and civil liberties, Wilson's impact on American political institutions and international diplomacy is undisputed.

The Final Word on Wilson (1924)

Wilson passed away in 1924, leaving behind a complex legacy as a visionary leader who navigated the United States through a critical period of global conflict and transformative change.

Key Achievements of Woodrow Wilson:

• Led the United States through World War I, playing a crucial role in the Allied victory.

• Championed the League of Nations, aiming to prevent future wars through collective security.

• Implemented significant domestic reforms including the Federal Reserve Act, the Clayton Antitrust Act, and the establishment of the Federal Trade Commission.

• Advocated for the principles of self-determination and fair treatment for all nations post-World War I through his Fourteen Points.

• Reformed higher education and public administration through his academic contributions and as president of Princeton University.

Woodrow Wilson's presidency was marked by his leadership during one of the most critical periods in modern history. His vision for a new global order based on democracy and cooperation, though partially unrealized in his lifetime, influenced the development of international diplomacy. Despite the controversies surrounding his domestic policies and views on race and civil liberties, Wilson's legacy as a reformer and a champion for peace continues to evoke admiration and debate.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

Poll