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D.C. suffers from a July 4 hangover after 250 extravaganza

A late night, too much sun, and a heaping dose of secondhand smoke.

News

Washington is recovering from all the ingredients of an epic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July 4" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/05/trump-fourth-of-july-speech-delayed" data-vars-content-id="60c4044e-1111-4328-b19d-a08881cb192f" data-vars-headline="D.C. suffers from a July 4 hangover after 250 extravaganza" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/05/trump-fourth-of-july-speech-delayed" target="_self">July 4</a> hangover: a late night, too much sun, and a heaping dose of secondhand smoke.Why it matters: The lead-up to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250th extravaganza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/08/residents-dread-america-250-events-road-closures-security-tourism" data-vars-content-id="60c4044e-1111-4328-b19d-a08881cb192f" data-vars-headline="D.C. suffers from a July 4 hangover after 250 extravaganza" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/08/residents-dread-america-250-events-road-closures-security-tourism" target="_self">250th extravaganza</a> — a swath of road, airspace and river closures; hordes of tourists and traffic — had already put locals on edge.

Virginia is joining the DMV's legal cannabis market. Here's what changes

For years, Virginians have crossed into D.C. and Maryland to buy legal marijuana. That changes next July.

Now, they&#x27;re preparing for a more competitive regional market.Virginia&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legal weed market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/19/virginia-retail-marijuana-sales-bill-2026" data-vars-content-id="9995ef6f-fb97-4d08-bb94-6d440ec7d790" data-vars-headline="Virginia is joining the DMV&#x27;s legal cannabis market. Here&#x27;s what changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/02/19/virginia-retail-marijuana-sales-bill-2026" target="_self">legal weed market</a> is about to shake up the DMV&#x27;s cannabis scene.Why it matters: For years, Virginians have crossed into D.C. and Maryland to buy legal marijuana. That changes next July, reshuffling where customers, tax dollars and businesses flow across the region.

Exclusive: Maryland, Virginia senators demand Trump's East Potomac golf plans

The Trump administration has yet to release final plans for the site.

Senators from Maryland and Virginia are demanding the Trump administration reveal details about its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Potomac golf course" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/28/trump-dc-golf-course-renovation-east-potomac-links" data-vars-content-id="8188ba26-78f4-49b1-a710-0ef76f9da764" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Maryland, Virginia senators demand Trump&#x27;s East Potomac golf plans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/28/trump-dc-golf-course-renovation-east-potomac-links" target="_self">East Potomac golf course</a> redevelopment. Why it matters: President Trump has vowed to transform East Potomac into a championship-level course, but key details — including how much land it&#x27;ll occupy and whether everyday golfers will still be able to afford it — remain unclear.

National Book Festival returns to D.C. with a stacked lineup

Expect big names like Cynthia Erivo, Martin Scorsese and Kate McKinnon.

Things to Do

The Library of Congress has released the author lineup for this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Book Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/09/library-congress-national-book-festival-dc-lineup" data-vars-content-id="40d5b279-ed5b-44c0-8ccc-6622362b65c9" data-vars-headline="National Book Festival returns to D.C. with a stacked lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/09/library-congress-national-book-festival-dc-lineup" target="_self">National Book Festival</a> on Aug. 22 — and it&#x27;s stacked.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a chance to see tons of big-name writers and celebs all in one day and all in your backyard.

A new playbook for data center development

Data centers are the often-invisible power behind the world's digital growth, from the dot-com era of the late '90s to today's AI boom.

Business

River closures for D.C.'s massive fireworks show may sink July 4 boating business

Potential Potomac River closures for the America's 250th celebration could disrupt one of the region's most popular Independence Day traditions.

D.C.&#x27;s big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="July 4 fireworks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/14/trump-dc-july-4-fireworks-guinness-world-record-freedom-250" data-vars-content-id="295236d9-5d72-4b0d-80cd-3fb005fb5af8" data-vars-headline="River closures for D.C.&#x27;s massive fireworks show may sink July 4 boating business" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/14/trump-dc-july-4-fireworks-guinness-world-record-freedom-250" target="_self">July 4 fireworks</a> boom this year could be a bust for boaters, who are bracing for unprecedented waterway closures tied to the nation&#x27;s 250th birthday celebration.The big picture: Trump allies want to set a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world record for the biggest fireworks show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/14/trump-dc-july-4-fireworks-guinness-world-record-freedom-250" data-vars-content-id="295236d9-5d72-4b0d-80cd-3fb005fb5af8" data-vars-headline="River closures for D.C.&#x27;s massive fireworks show may sink July 4 boating business" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/14/trump-dc-july-4-fireworks-guinness-world-record-freedom-250" target="_self">world record for the biggest fireworks show</a>, breaking from D.C. tradition with a later start time (9:40pm), running twice as long (40 minutes) and featuring fireworks launchpads on the Potomac River.

After years of controversy, D.C.'s lottery operator wants "fresh start"

Bally's Intralot is severing ties with a local businessman and announcing a new partnership.

After over 15 years of on-and-off controversies, most famously involving a botched <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sports gambling app" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/07/sports-gambling-app-intralot-gambetdc" data-vars-content-id="d77308f8-c5e8-418c-b44f-f42968cf6c72" data-vars-headline="After years of controversy, D.C.&#x27;s lottery operator wants &quot;fresh start&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/07/sports-gambling-app-intralot-gambetdc" target="_self">sports gambling app</a>, D.C.&#x27;s lottery contractor is severing ties with a local businessman and announcing a new partnership.Why it matters: The contractor, Bally&#x27;s Intralot, said it wants a &quot;fresh start&quot; as it pursues renewal of a $10.5 million annual contract.

Why more D.C. deliveries are moving to bikes

The city's new pilot program will test whether battery-powered bikes can cut congestion, emissions and noise as delivery demand keeps growing.

More D.C. delivery drivers are living every day like it&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bike to Work Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/" data-vars-content-id="6b2a3560-a602-4c64-9f42-64f0b7bb5421" data-vars-headline="Why more D.C. deliveries are moving to bikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/" target="_blank">Bike to Work Day</a>, thanks to companies like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DoorDash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/doordash-bike-deliveries-growth" data-vars-content-id="6b2a3560-a602-4c64-9f42-64f0b7bb5421" data-vars-headline="Why more D.C. deliveries are moving to bikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/18/doordash-bike-deliveries-growth" target="_self">DoorDash</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Amazon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" data-vars-content-id="6b2a3560-a602-4c64-9f42-64f0b7bb5421" data-vars-headline="Why more D.C. deliveries are moving to bikes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/12/amazon-delivery-speed-war-walmart-target" target="_self">Amazon</a> expanding their pedal-powered fleets.Why it matters: The benefits for workers and roadways are real — greener, quieter, zippier, less traffic, you name it.

Your slice at Andy's Pizza is powered by AI

The fast-growing D.C. chain has built its own AI-powered operating system — while trying to preserve the human feel of a neighborhood slice shop.

Food and Drink

Behind the counter at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andy&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eatandyspizza.com/" data-vars-content-id="efa08579-127b-4db9-98b3-7a04841f70a0" data-vars-headline="Your slice at Andy&#x27;s Pizza is powered by AI" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eatandyspizza.com/" target="_blank">Andy&#x27;s Pizza</a>, AI now helps direct everything from when mozzarella gets ordered to the moment a pie needs to hit the oven.Why it matters: As big restaurant chains pour money into AI to cut labor costs, fast-growing D.C. pizza chain Andy&#x27;s is betting custom-built AI tools can help it scale without sacrificing hospitality.

D.C. tourism rose slightly, but international visitors declined

D.C. is betting on a big summer with America 250.

D.C.&#x27;s tourism industry reported slight growth in 2025, with more visitors for the third year running.Why it matters: The nation&#x27;s capital is leaning into tourism and attractions (see: stadiums, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="IndyCar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/14/indycar-s-d-c-first" data-vars-content-id="9720566c-f3c9-41bf-a05d-1bf62d429d54" data-vars-headline="D.C. tourism rose slightly, but international visitors declined" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/14/indycar-s-d-c-first" target="_self">IndyCar</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NFL draft" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/05/nfl-draft-dc-national-mall-trump-2027" data-vars-content-id="9720566c-f3c9-41bf-a05d-1bf62d429d54" data-vars-headline="D.C. tourism rose slightly, but international visitors declined" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/05/nfl-draft-dc-national-mall-trump-2027" target="_self">NFL draft</a>) to make up for an economic slowdown brought on by federal job cuts.

D.C. to release major robotaxi study this summer

An implementation report has been delayed for several years.

D.C.&#x27;s years-late report on how to implement robotaxis is expected this summer. Why it matters: The D.C. Council is holding up a bill that would green-light robotaxis like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Waymo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/27/waymo-robotaxis-lobbying-self-driving-cars" data-vars-content-id="fe41c9e2-b611-45a5-b15f-97689d937a70" data-vars-headline="D.C. to release major robotaxi study this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/27/waymo-robotaxis-lobbying-self-driving-cars" target="_self">Waymo</a> until the study is finished.

Resistance grows to soaring Pepco bills

The utility says it needs to charge its Maryland customers more.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pepco" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/18/pepco-washington-gas-bills-mayor-race-lewisgeorge-mcduffie" data-vars-content-id="0e6fabf2-a089-4c0c-81c4-19a74b470ec4" data-vars-headline="Resistance grows to soaring Pepco bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/18/pepco-washington-gas-bills-mayor-race-lewisgeorge-mcduffie" target="_self">Pepco</a> is facing growing pressure across the DMV, as officials step in to protect customers while challenging rate increases.Why it matters: As frustration with rising bills <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boils over" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/03/dc-utility-bills-spike-winter-costs" data-vars-content-id="0e6fabf2-a089-4c0c-81c4-19a74b470ec4" data-vars-headline="Resistance grows to soaring Pepco bills" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/03/dc-utility-bills-spike-winter-costs" target="_self">boils over</a>, the utility says it needs to charge its Maryland customers more.

AI pressure grows on the DMV's young workforce

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the job market in the DMV, and it&#x27;s likely to hit younger and entry-level workers particularly hard, a pair of recent reports found.Why it matters: Younger workers and college grads were already facing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grim" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" data-vars-content-id="9ab080ab-f6ba-4fb2-ad54-6a40fde9f52e" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on the DMV&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/hiring-rate-jobs-employment-iran" target="_self">grim</a> and &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="frozen" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" data-vars-content-id="9ab080ab-f6ba-4fb2-ad54-6a40fde9f52e" data-vars-headline="AI pressure grows on the DMV&#x27;s young workforce" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/25/jobs-market-ai-indeed-retail" target="_self">frozen</a>&quot; job market, and AI may make it worse.

Business 🏦

Virginia is joining the DMV's legal cannabis market. Here's what changes

A new playbook for data center development

River closures for D.C.'s massive fireworks show may sink July 4 boating business

After years of controversy, D.C.'s lottery operator wants "fresh start"

Why more D.C. deliveries are moving to bikes