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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.

New details drop about National Harbor's forthcoming Sphere

It will be only the second Sphere in the country.

Development

New details are emerging about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/04/sphere-entertainment-possible-nashville-expansion" data-vars-content-id="e3b434a2-9a96-44e6-a9bd-19cc012b14b3" data-vars-headline="New details drop about National Harbor&#x27;s forthcoming Sphere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/03/04/sphere-entertainment-possible-nashville-expansion" target="_self">Sphere</a> that&#x27;s coming to National Harbor.Why it matters: The project near the MGM National Harbor Casino would be the country&#x27;s second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/sphere-entertainment-state-maryland-prince-georges-county-and-peterson-companies-announce-intent" data-vars-content-id="e3b434a2-9a96-44e6-a9bd-19cc012b14b3" data-vars-headline="New details drop about National Harbor&#x27;s forthcoming Sphere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/sphere-entertainment-state-maryland-prince-georges-county-and-peterson-companies-announce-intent" target="_blank">Sphere</a> — a flashy new attraction Maryland says could generate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1.5 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/news-events/news/sphere-national-harbor-bring-significant-economic-benefits-prince-georges-county-and-maryland" data-vars-content-id="e3b434a2-9a96-44e6-a9bd-19cc012b14b3" data-vars-headline="New details drop about National Harbor&#x27;s forthcoming Sphere" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/news-events/news/sphere-national-harbor-bring-significant-economic-benefits-prince-georges-county-and-maryland" target="_blank">$1.5 billion</a> in annual economic impact.

Alexandria's former power plant site set for waterfront transformation

Expect housing, retail, dining and green space.

A major stretch of Alexandria&#x27;s riverfront could look very different in the near future, thanks to a recently approved development.Why it matters: The project would transform a long underutilized waterfront site into a neighborhood with new parks, housing and public access to the Potomac.

As "Arc de Trump" advances, this D.C. official wants more arches

A federal panel gave concept approval for the 250-foot arch.

A federal arts commission gave a thumbs up to President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="250-foot arch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/trump-ballroom-plans-miami-library" data-vars-content-id="49f04916-cb42-435e-9c32-9f9a58172937" data-vars-headline="As &quot;Arc de Trump&quot; advances, this D.C. official wants more arches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/trump-ballroom-plans-miami-library" target="_self">250-foot arch</a> on Thursday, despite receiving about 1,000 public comments opposing the project.Why it matters: One might not be enough. The head of the commission, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., is wondering: Why not three arches?

New Pennsylvania Ave. could include redoing Freedom Plaza and more flags

Designers also propose fewer lanes and more greenery.

Federal planners advanced plans to revitalize <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania Avenue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/11/trump-stacked-commission-eyes-pennsylvania-avenue-overhaul" data-vars-content-id="4a585279-c84e-4dfd-8946-adadf3057c86" data-vars-headline="New Pennsylvania Ave. could include redoing Freedom Plaza and more flags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/11/trump-stacked-commission-eyes-pennsylvania-avenue-overhaul" target="_self">Pennsylvania Avenue</a> between the White House and the Capitol.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="once-in-a-generation project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncpc.gov/initiatives/pennave/" data-vars-content-id="4a585279-c84e-4dfd-8946-adadf3057c86" data-vars-headline="New Pennsylvania Ave. could include redoing Freedom Plaza and more flags" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncpc.gov/initiatives/pennave/" target="_blank">once-in-a-generation project</a> aims to make it a &quot;people&#x27;s promenade&quot; — shrinking the eight-lane roadway, upgrading its aging infrastructure and adding more greenery to welcome everyday visitors and tourists.

Massive parking garages loom in Commanders plans

You don't see many parking decks in D.C., and these approach the Height Act limits.

You don&#x27;t see many parking decks in D.C., but the ones at the new Commanders stadium could be up to 110 feet tall.Why it matters: At more than half the height of the stadium itself, the latest designs show the 11-story garages swallowing the skyline.

Pro-Trump social media campaign wants to legalize skyscrapers in D.C.

Politics

There&#x27;s a new anonymous push to overturn the Height Act: A Trump-aligned X account that wants skyscrapers in D.C.Why it matters: For a pro-height group, they keep a low profile.

9,000 pages of comments slam Trump White House ballroom plan

A 30-year member of the capital's planning commission has never seen such an outcry over a project.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Capital Planning Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/11/trump-deputies-take-over-powerful-dc-planning-commission" data-vars-content-id="43c869a1-f9b7-4267-85ec-fc7b551089b7" data-vars-headline="9,000 pages of comments slam Trump White House ballroom plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/11/trump-deputies-take-over-powerful-dc-planning-commission" target="_self">National Capital Planning Commission</a> has released over 9,000 pages of public comments denouncing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s ballroom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/08/white-house-east-wing-expansion-ballroom-design-plans" data-vars-content-id="43c869a1-f9b7-4267-85ec-fc7b551089b7" data-vars-headline="9,000 pages of comments slam Trump White House ballroom plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/08/white-house-east-wing-expansion-ballroom-design-plans" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s ballroom</a> project, ahead of a meeting on Thursday when the public is expected to again sound off. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Wing&#x27;s demolition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/21/trump-white-house-east-wing-renovation-backlash" data-vars-content-id="43c869a1-f9b7-4267-85ec-fc7b551089b7" data-vars-headline="9,000 pages of comments slam Trump White House ballroom plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/21/trump-white-house-east-wing-renovation-backlash" target="_self">East Wing&#x27;s demolition</a> roiled D.C. and raised existential questions about the future of the White House, in the face of Trump&#x27;s relentless drive to leave his imprint on Washington.

Trump-stacked commission eyes Pennsylvania Avenue overhaul

The last overhaul of the 1.2-mile stretch came in the 1970s.

Federal officials want to move on a &quot;once-in-a-generation opportunity&quot; to remake Pennsylvania Avenue.Why it matters: America&#x27;s Main Street — once considered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the most prized commercial stretch of D.C." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/04/23/most-expensive-street-commercial-real-estate" data-vars-content-id="ee09af7a-ef24-4fe0-954d-efd19df4ef85" data-vars-headline="Trump-stacked commission eyes Pennsylvania Avenue overhaul" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/04/23/most-expensive-street-commercial-real-estate" target="_self">the most prized commercial stretch of D.C.</a> — needs some sprucing up.

D.C. developments to watch in 2026

We have updates on 11th Street Bridge Park, Bezos Learning Center and more.

It&#x27;s a new year for D.C. — time to check in on some real estate projects happening around town.Why it matters: The DMV&#x27;s skyline is constantly evolving, with future developments always in the pipeline — think <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Therme" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/03/20/therme-wellness-saunas-thermal-baths-waterslides-renderings" data-vars-content-id="1fe03bad-c81f-4d19-8861-065f86b5198d" data-vars-headline="D.C. developments to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/03/20/therme-wellness-saunas-thermal-baths-waterslides-renderings" target="_self">Therme</a>, or a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Southwest neighborhood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/02/03/federal-offices-national-mall-wharf-residential" data-vars-content-id="1fe03bad-c81f-4d19-8861-065f86b5198d" data-vars-headline="D.C. developments to watch in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/02/03/federal-offices-national-mall-wharf-residential" target="_self">Southwest neighborhood</a> — but it can take years to see progress.

What architecture experts like — and don't — about Commanders' stadium designs

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Commanders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/washington-commanders-stadium-architect-hks" data-vars-content-id="6ebe4606-62fc-482a-b6a9-e97be35cda47" data-vars-headline="What architecture experts like — and don&#x27;t — about Commanders&#x27; stadium designs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/13/washington-commanders-stadium-architect-hks" target="_self">Washington Commanders</a> just released renderings of their future stadium at the RFK site — and the exterior, ringed by a white colonnade, appears to satisfy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump allies&#x27; request for classical features" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/07/trump-allies-classical-design-new-commanders-stadium" data-vars-content-id="6ebe4606-62fc-482a-b6a9-e97be35cda47" data-vars-headline="What architecture experts like — and don&#x27;t — about Commanders&#x27; stadium designs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/07/trump-allies-classical-design-new-commanders-stadium" target="_self">Trump allies&#x27; request for classical features</a>.Why it matters: The first look from architect HKS says a lot about the $3.7 billion project, and how it could integrate — or not — into D.C.&#x27;s skyline for decades to come.

Development 🏗️

New details drop about National Harbor's forthcoming Sphere

Alexandria's former power plant site set for waterfront transformation

As "Arc de Trump" advances, this D.C. official wants more arches

New Pennsylvania Ave. could include redoing Freedom Plaza and more flags

Massive parking garages loom in Commanders plans