Washington, D.C
Peak bloom! DC's renowned cherry blossoms spring out at the Tidal Basin

Peak bloom is here!
The Yoshino cherry trees along the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., are overflowing with delicate pink and white flowers. More than 70% of the blooms are open, the National Park Service (NPS) announced Friday morning, marking the start of peak bloom.
Peak bloom is the best time to visit the adored cherry blossoms. Thousands flock to the water near the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Thomas Jefferson memorials every spring to see a sweeping panorama of flora.
“PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! PEAK BLOOM! Shout it louder. PEAK BLOOOOOOOOOOOM!” the NPS announced on social media. “It took one more sunrise and warming temperatures, but we’re finally here. Glorious clouds of white and pink cherry blossoms now ring the Tidal Basin, creating a splendid spring spectacle. Come enjoy the beauty.”
Both the NPS and our own Storm Team4 got their blossom predictions exactly right this year when it came to Day 1 of peak bloom. Late last month, the NPS predicted peak bloom for March 28 to 31, while Storm Team4 meteorologist Amelia Draper predicted peak bloom between March 28 and April 3.
Of course, the duration of this year’s peak bloom is yet to be seen. The spring display can last for several days or longer under ideal conditions.
“The length of the blooming period depends on weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom, and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms,” the NPS has said.

Getty Images
Getty Images
Cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.
Where to see the cherry blossoms
The Tidal Basin, near D.C.’s National Mall, is where you’ll find D.C.’s iconic Yoshino cherry trees, plus comfort stations, daily live performances and other fun activities including pedal boat rentals.
When you’re there, stroll the Tidal Basin Loop Trail, a 2.1-mile easy walk, or go for the 4.1-mile Hains Point Loop.
Avoid traffic and parking headaches by taking public transit, walking, biking or another form of transportation. However you want to get to the cherry blossoms, our guide has pro tips!
Blooming cherry trees can be found across the DMV all spring long. Here are other great places to see blossoms.
Saturday will be a great day to see D.C.’s cherry blossoms
Storm Team4 Meteorologist Jessica Faith says blossom viewers will have great weather on Saturday: mild temps and sunny skies. Here’s the forecast.
Be ready for crowds, especially with two major cherry blossom events happening near the Tidal Basin. The National Kite Festival will bring hordes to fly colorful kites near the Washington Monument. At The Wharf, Bloomaroo will celebrate the season with live music and fireworks.
Want to know what’s up for your weekend? Sign up for The Weekend Scene, our newsletter about events, experiences and adventures for you and for your family around the DMV.

Washington, D.C
DC man shoots, kills 2 teens in Prince George's County: police

2 men shot, killed in Temple Hills
Authorities in Prince George’s County are investigating a deadly double shooting that left two men dead in Temple Hills late Tuesday night.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. – A man has been charged with shooting and killing two teenagers in Temple Hills late Tuesday night.
What we know:
The suspect has been identified as 27-year-old Duan Goddard of Fort Washington. Goddard is currently in custody in Washington, DC, pending extradition to Prince George’s County.

The victims have been identified as 16-year-old Thomas Smith, Jr. of Washington, D.C., and 16-year-old Michael Bassett of Temple Hills.
Deadly shooting in Temple Hills
Prince George’s County Police were in the area of the 5500 block of Haras Place when they heard the sound of gunshots at 9:35 p.m. The officers canvassed the area and located the two teen victims outside an apartment building in the 5200 block of Haras Place.
Police say Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. Bassett died a short time later at a hospital. A third teenager who was with the victims was also shot at but was not struck, according to police.
Goddard is charged with first and second-degree murder and related charges.
Washington, D.C
List: What to do in the DC area this week and weekend, May 30 – June 1

We share the best things to do every weekend in The Weekend Scene newsletter – it’s free to subscribe!
AAPI Heritage Month is coming to a close. Watch our special here, then consider stopping by one of the restaurants or cultural centers we highlighted before the month is out.
But as one month-long cultural celebration ends, another — Pride Month — begins. We’ve got our big guide to WorldPride here.
Jazz in the Garden is here! The lottery for this weekend’s concert on May 30 is already closed, but it’s not too late to register for first one in June.
Pools are open, if you’re willing to brave the cold and rain to jump on in. Our own Juliana Valencia tried it, and you can too after picking a spot from our handy dandy pool guide.
If you’re craving ocean air, maybe a semi-spontaneous beach trip is in the cards? There are plenty of sandy spots in driving range from the District. We’ve got a list.
Here’s what to do this weekend in the Washington, D.C. area.
What to do in Washington, D.C.
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s “Frankenstein”: Opens Tues., Klein Theatre in Northwest D.C., $39+
WorldPride Film Festival: Tue.-Thurs., Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – D.C. Bryant Street & Crystal City and Atlas Performing Arts Center
World Pride Black Queer Film Festival: Tue.-Thurs., 6-9 p.m., Blackburn Digital Auditorium at Howard University, free
CiNeMatic – “Coco”: Weds., Alethia Tanner Park, free
District of Pride Showcase: Wed., 7 p.m., Lincoln Theatre, free
Wet and Julie Byrne: Wed., 8 p.m., Union Stage, $33+
Street Fest Art Gallery Openings: Thurs., 5:30-8:30 p.m., Union Market District
Sunset Cinema: Thurs., 7 p.m., Transit Pier at The Wharf, free
First Sips of Summer: Fri., 5-10 p.m., Smoke & Mirrors, $70+
DC Defenders vs. St. Louis Battlehawks: Fri., 8 p.m., Audi Field
National Arboretum extended hours: Fri., Open until 8 p.m., Northeast D.C., free
Washington Mystics vs. New York Liberty (Pride Night): Fri., 7:30 p.m., CareFirst Arena in Southeast D.C., $62+
Jazz In the Garden: Fri., 6-8:30 p.m., National Gallery of Art, free (registration required)
Extraordinary Cinema: The Bourne Identity: Fri., 8:30 p.m., The Reach Lawn at the Kennedy Center, free
Ctrl+Alt+Connect: Spritz Sol Flow: Sat., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Eckington Hall, $58.30
Scavenger Hunt of the Smithsonians: Sat., 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., $20
(D)rafts and (C)rafts: Sat., 1-6 p.m., DC Brau, $10-55
34th Annual Glover Park Day: Sat., 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Guy Mason Recreation Center
Newark Street Community Garden 50th Anniversary Celebration: Sat., 1-3 p.m., Newark Street Community Garden, free
Color Me Calm: An Adult Coloring Experience: Sat., 2-5 p.m., Anacostia Arts Center, $30
An Evening In Paris at the Embassy of France: Sat., 7-11 p.m., Embassy of France, $99+
Jazz In the Heights Festival: Sat.-Sun., Sycamore & Oak, free (reserved tickets)
Project Glow ‘25: Sat.-Sun., RFK Festival Grounds, $105+Crochet Classes with Fairy Ring Fibers: Sun., 11 a.m., Rhizome DC, pay what you wish ($35 recommended)
What to do in Maryland
Metallica M72 World Tour: Weds., 6 p.m., Northwest Stadium Landover, $63-$150
Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever: Weds., 7:30 p.m., CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, $101+
Pride Night @ Chesapeake Baysox: Thurs., 5 p.m., Prince Georges Stadium, free
A Taste of Riverworks: Sat., 11 a.m., Poolesville, free
Annapolis Pride Parade & Festival: Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Calvert & Bladen Sts. Annapolis, free
EFFERVESCENT: A Pride Social: Sat., 7-11 p.m., Creative Suitland Arts Center, $17.85
In the Life: A LGBTQIA + Pride Celebration: Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, free
Salute the Sunset: United States Air Force Concert Band: Sat., 7-8 p.m., National Harbor, free
Pride Family Day: Sun., 11 a.m., Glen Echo Park, free
DMG plays Bowies Summer Sunset: Sun., 6 p.m., Allen Pond Park, free
What to do in Virginia
Thursday Night Trivia: Thurs., 6 p.m., The Spot at Belmont Bay, $25 per team
Lake Anne Sunset Paddle: Thurs., 7-8:30 p.m., Lake Anne Boat Dock, $20
Sunset Concert at River Farm Featuring Soulfire: Thurs., 6-8 p.m., American Horticultural Society’s River Farm, $20 parking (free admission)
Chicago the Musical: Fri.-Sun., Capital One Hall, $80+
Fab Fridays Live Music: All Fired Up: Fri., 7 p.m.., Reston Metro Plaza, free
Arlington Pride Vendor Festival: Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hyatt Regency DCA, free
Nature Journaling Club: Sat., 10 a.m., Del Ray Artisans Gallery, free (bring your own supplies)
Loudon Pride Festival: Sat., 12-6 p.m., Ida Lee Park, $5
Virginia Wine Festival: Sat.-Sun., Tyson’s Corner, $55+
Big Lick Comic Con NOVA: Sat.-Sun., Dulles Expo Center, $25+
Movie at the Mill – ‘Pride & Prejudice’: Sat., 8:30 p.m., Colvin Run Mill, $1016th Annual Taste of Del Ray: Sun., 1-3 p.m., Mount Vernon Recreation Center Fields, $10-$75
Washington, D.C
Man killed by stray shot into his Northwest DC home

A stray shot flew into a man’s home in Northwest D.C. on Sunday evening and killed him, police say they believe according to an initial investigation.
The man was 59-year-old Jose Carcamo of Northwest D.C.
Officers were called to an apartment building in the 1500 block of Ogden Street, in the Columbia Heights neighborhood, at about 6:20 p.m., Executive Asst. Chief Andre Wright told reporters later Sunday.
The man was found in an apartment suffering from a gunshot wound. D.C. medics treated the man but he died, Wright said, calling his death “tragic.”
D.C. police have not yet made any arrests, but they say Carcamo was not the intended target.
“We don’t believe that this shooting, which happened in the rear of this location, has anything to do with him,” Wright said.
It started as a normal Sunday evening. Carcamo was eating dinner at his home in Columbia Heights. His mom was in another room when she heard the sound of gunshots and rushed to check on him, only to realize he’d been killed.
Carcamo’s mom lives in El Salvador and had to come to D.C. to spend Mother’s Day with her son.
He worked in construction and was in the process of building a house for her in their home country.
Officers were searching for clues and working to speak with potential witnesses. No information on a suspect was released.
Police will seek justice for the victim, his family and his community, Wright said.
“We can’t shrink in fear. I think that’s what these perpetrators want – but they’re wrong. And so we intend to stand alongside this family and community and bring justice to this community, and for as long as it takes, stay here to help restore the sense of peace that every community deserves,” he said.
Anyone with potentially relevant information is asked to contact police. A $25,000 reward for information is available.
Police say they’re now trying to find surveillance video to help with the investigation, as Carcamo’s mom is now left to grieve her son.
D.C. crime statistics show homicides are down 8% this year compared to the same period last year, with 61 victims this year and 66 last year. Reports of violent crime are down 22%.
Police records show in the past five years, the area around Ogden Street has had seven homicides, 52 assaults with a dangerous weapon and 101 robberies.
One neighbor said it’s why he’s planning to move out.
“People want to feel safe in their neighborhoods, and I just have not ever felt safe in this one,” said neighbor Nacho Echazarreta.
Several other neighbors didn’t want to be identified but also told News4 they feel unsafe in the area.
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