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José Andrés joins D.C.'s escalating foie gras fight

The celebrity chef is speaking out against a proposed foie gras ban, while a Trump-world-connected restaurateur plans an election-week protest dinner — and a potential legal battle.

News

One of the world&#x27;s most famous chefs is entering the fight over D.C.&#x27;s proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="foie gras ban" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/21/dc-foie-gras-ban-ballot-initiative-fight" data-vars-content-id="de49cb03-cce6-4699-9cf0-2d6646ad618c" data-vars-headline="José Andrés joins D.C.&#x27;s escalating foie gras fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/21/dc-foie-gras-ban-ballot-initiative-fight" target="_self">foie gras ban</a> ahead of Monday&#x27;s start of early voting.Why it matters: Opposition to Initiative 86 has been relatively quiet among D.C. chefs and the restaurant industry. But <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="José Andrés" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/19/jose-andres-bazaar-meat-dc-opening" data-vars-content-id="de49cb03-cce6-4699-9cf0-2d6646ad618c" data-vars-headline="José Andrés joins D.C.&#x27;s escalating foie gras fight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/03/19/jose-andres-bazaar-meat-dc-opening" target="_self">José Andrés</a> is now speaking out, while a Capitol Hill chef with Trump-world ties is organizing an election-week protest and planning a potential legal fight.

D.C. hydrofoil ferry proposal could cut Potomac commute times in half

Electric hydrofoils could make a Georgetown-to-Navy Yard trip in 24 minutes, down from about 45.

Washington is renewing discussions about launching a ferry <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commuter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/18/why-dc-traffic-so-bad-september" data-vars-content-id="670a1443-32f6-42f4-b52c-315b0b5d319e" data-vars-headline="D.C. hydrofoil ferry proposal could cut Potomac commute times in half" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/18/why-dc-traffic-so-bad-september" target="_self">commuter</a> service.Why it matters: There have long been talks about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="running ferries" data-vars-click-url="https://dcist.com/story/23/12/04/proposed-northern-virginia-commuter-ferry-potomac-transportation/" data-vars-content-id="670a1443-32f6-42f4-b52c-315b0b5d319e" data-vars-headline="D.C. hydrofoil ferry proposal could cut Potomac commute times in half" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dcist.com/story/23/12/04/proposed-northern-virginia-commuter-ferry-potomac-transportation/" target="_blank">running ferries</a> on the Potomac and Anacostia, but concerns like costs and feasibility previously waylaid plans.<ul><li>But now the idea could finally be gaining traction, thanks to a new type of boat service that&#x27;s cheaper, more sustainable and faster.</li></ul>

Sphere at National Harbor gets final approval with $215M public bonds

A mini version of the Las Vegas Sphere is heading to National Harbor.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sphere" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/29/national-harbors-sphere-project-moves-forward" data-vars-content-id="90dc1b7f-7a05-4973-892b-d7ee6bf25370" data-vars-headline="Sphere at National Harbor gets final approval with $215M public bonds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/29/national-harbors-sphere-project-moves-forward" target="_self">Sphere</a> — a 6,000-seat, orb-shaped immersive entertainment venue — got final approval Tuesday to be built at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Harbor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/county-executive/economy/sphere-national-harbor" data-vars-content-id="90dc1b7f-7a05-4973-892b-d7ee6bf25370" data-vars-headline="Sphere at National Harbor gets final approval with $215M public bonds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/county-executive/economy/sphere-national-harbor" target="_blank">National Harbor</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a mini version of the Las Vegas Sphere, but Prince George&#x27;s County is betting the $1.4 billion project will be a big draw for the waterfront.

A sports logo expert has designs on D.C.'s teams

Veteran sports designer Todd Radom, who helped create the Nationals' original look, explains what Washington's teams get right — and wrong — about their branding.

Sports

Asked which D.C. franchise he&#x27;d most like to redesign, Todd Radom didn&#x27;t hesitate: &quot;Wizards! What a challenge!&quot;<ul><li>Radom isn&#x27;t some amateur posting mockups to social media; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="he&#x27;s a veteran designer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.toddradom.com/" data-vars-content-id="fa5ce149-6b22-4a3d-8fb0-33dbb58b635c" data-vars-headline="A sports logo expert has designs on D.C.&#x27;s teams" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.toddradom.com/" target="_blank">he&#x27;s a veteran designer</a> who helped create the Nationals&#x27; original look.</li><li>And he&#x27;s got thoughts on how Washington&#x27;s teams could improve their logos, uniforms and overall brands.</li></ul>Why it matters: &quot;Sports fans are the ultimate brand loyalists,&quot; Radom told Axios. &quot;We tattoo our logos on our bodies.&quot;

What the D.C.-area power grid emergency means for you

As record October heat hits the region, federal officials are taking emergency steps to keep electricity flowing. Here's what it means for your power — and your wallet.

The D.C. area is sweltering through near-record <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="October heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.capitalweather.com/dc-area-forecast-record-warmth-possible-today-much-cooler-with-showers-likely-tomorrow/" data-vars-content-id="b1fc554d-ee86-4bbd-8c98-45da157d8d01" data-vars-headline="What the D.C.-area power grid emergency means for you" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.capitalweather.com/dc-area-forecast-record-warmth-possible-today-much-cooler-with-showers-likely-tomorrow/" target="_blank">October heat</a>, just as the federal government has issued an emergency order to help keep the Mid-Atlantic&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="power grid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/22/axios-house-power-boom-puts-new-pressure-on-us-grid" data-vars-content-id="b1fc554d-ee86-4bbd-8c98-45da157d8d01" data-vars-headline="What the D.C.-area power grid emergency means for you" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/22/axios-house-power-boom-puts-new-pressure-on-us-grid" target="_self">power grid</a> running.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.energy.gov/documents/doe-order-no-202-26-50" data-vars-content-id="b1fc554d-ee86-4bbd-8c98-45da157d8d01" data-vars-headline="What the D.C.-area power grid emergency means for you" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.energy.gov/documents/doe-order-no-202-26-50" target="_blank">The order</a> is designed to prevent blackouts amid unusually high electricity demand — but that doesn&#x27;t mean your lights are about to go out.

Chesapeake Bay earns its best report card in 40 years: C+

The Bay earned a C+ in its latest health report card, while the Potomac River scored a C-. Scientists say decades of cleanup efforts are paying off, but challenges remain.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chesapeake Bay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/24/trump-chesapeake-bay-order-dc-potomac" data-vars-content-id="df4d7de7-0706-4065-bd8f-25f1dadca056" data-vars-headline="Chesapeake Bay earns its best report card in 40 years: C+" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/24/trump-chesapeake-bay-order-dc-potomac" target="_self">Chesapeake Bay</a> just earned its best report card in 40 years: A respectable — if not quite honor roll-worthy — C+.Why it matters: It&#x27;s encouraging progress for America&#x27;s largest estuary — a playground for boaters, a livelihood for watermen and a critical habitat for wildlife — after decades of efforts to clean up pollution and restore the Bay.

New dashboard offers real-time look at Potomac, Anacostia water quality

A new dashboard gives near-real-time updates on river conditions at sites across the Potomac and Anacostia.

A new dashboard gives the public near real-time water quality data for the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.Why it matters: Water quality is top of mind after last winter&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sewage spill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/20/dc-water-sewage-spill-potomac-interceptor-repairs" data-vars-content-id="791cdc65-100b-4e47-bd95-f53d0d5e6e41" data-vars-headline="New dashboard offers real-time look at Potomac, Anacostia water quality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/05/20/dc-water-sewage-spill-potomac-interceptor-repairs" target="_self">sewage spill</a> and the Potomac River&#x27;s designation as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Most Endangered River" data-vars-click-url="https://potomac.org/blog/2026/4/13-most-endangered-rivers-potomc-river" data-vars-content-id="791cdc65-100b-4e47-bd95-f53d0d5e6e41" data-vars-headline="New dashboard offers real-time look at Potomac, Anacostia water quality" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://potomac.org/blog/2026/4/13-most-endangered-rivers-potomc-river" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Most Endangered River</a>. <ul><li>Plus: The tool could help kayakers, anglers and environmental groups better understand river conditions before heading out.</li></ul>

Potomac sewage line needs new repairs on three segments, D.C. Water says

D.C. Water says it's still surveying for weak points after the January sewage spill.

Three vulnerable segments of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Potomac Interceptor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/21/potomac-river-spill-dc-water-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="632b312a-93c1-48b0-97fc-afb365329e1e" data-vars-headline="Potomac sewage line needs new repairs on three segments, D.C. Water says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/21/potomac-river-spill-dc-water-lawsuit" target="_self">Potomac Interceptor</a> need repairs, the head of D.C. Water disclosed to Congress in a Wednesday hearing about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic pipeline collapse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" data-vars-content-id="632b312a-93c1-48b0-97fc-afb365329e1e" data-vars-headline="Potomac sewage line needs new repairs on three segments, D.C. Water says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" target="_self">historic pipeline collapse</a>. Why it matters: Four months after the sewage spill, D.C. Water vows it&#x27;s &quot;more aggressively&quot; identifying weaknesses along the 54-mile sewer line, built in the 1960s.

D.C. keeps crown as America's best park system

As local parks are caught up in political fights, the ranking is a reminder that parks are some of D.C.'s best assets.

The District is home to the best city park system in America — again —according to new rankings from the Trust for Public Land.Why it matters: At a moment when D.C.&#x27;s parks are caught up in political fights and makeover drama, the report is a reminder that the city&#x27;s green spaces remain some of its biggest assets.

Mosquito forecast: A "whopper" season ahead for D.C.

The biters are back. Mosquito season in the D.C. region typically takes off in May — and experts say this year could be longer and buggier than usual.Why it matters: If you thought <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snowcrete" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" data-vars-content-id="32494f47-b2ec-40ae-8262-b5f2a85d563a" data-vars-headline="Mosquito forecast: A &quot;whopper&quot; season ahead for D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/28/snow-emergency-extended-as-snowcrete-slows-dc-cleanup" target="_self">snowcrete</a> killed the skeeters — bless your wishful heart.<ul><li>&quot;I think we&#x27;re in for a whopper,&quot; says Douglass Miles, vice president of Mosquito Shield for the Washington region.</li></ul>

D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions

It's a sign of progress after what officials have called the worst sewage spill in U.S. history.

D.C. is aiming to lift its restrictions on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Potomac River" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" data-vars-content-id="6c022735-497c-4c20-8ad3-0e1621adaeec" data-vars-headline="D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/02/13/sewage-spill-potomac-river-safety-fishing-swimming-future" target="_self">Potomac River</a> recreation on March 2 — three weeks after the last sewage surge was reported (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Super Bowl Sunday&#x27;s &quot;wipegate&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/non-flushable-wipes-more-sew[…]tomac-river-super-bowl/65-bbe1af6c-6dd0-4aad-bb99-1fcb16a2c650" data-vars-content-id="6c022735-497c-4c20-8ad3-0e1621adaeec" data-vars-headline="D.C. on the verge of lifting Potomac River recreation restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/non-flushable-wipes-more-sew[…]tomac-river-super-bowl/65-bbe1af6c-6dd0-4aad-bb99-1fcb16a2c650" target="_blank">Super Bowl Sunday&#x27;s &quot;wipegate&quot;</a>) and six weeks after the initial spill.Why it matters: It&#x27;s an early sign that the region may be turning a corner on what officials have called the worst sewage spill in U.S. history — and a test of public trust in the river.

Potomac River still not safe for fishing or swimming

The Potomac gets a "B" health grade from leading environmental nonprofit.

The Potomac River is holding steady at a &quot;B&quot; grade for water quality, but progress has flatlined, according to the latest river <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report card" data-vars-click-url="https://potomac.org/clean-water-campaign" data-vars-content-id="dcc9703f-63bb-471d-885a-355d13f765f1" data-vars-headline="Potomac River still not safe for fishing or swimming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://potomac.org/clean-water-campaign" target="_blank">report card</a> released Wednesday by the nonprofit Potomac Conservancy.Why it matters: The river that flows through the nation&#x27;s capital and provides drinking water to 5 million people isn&#x27;t reliably safe for swimming or fishing.

Gourd riddance: How to compost and donate pumpkins around D.C.

The only thing scarier than jack-o-lanterns is waste.

Environment

Don&#x27;t trash your pumpkins — compost or recycle them instead.Why it matters: Decomposing gourds in landfills release <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harmful methane" data-vars-click-url="https://www.neefusa.org/story/sustainability/dont-send-your-pumpkins-graveyard" data-vars-content-id="1d3c916e-565b-4be8-ad2f-bdf368f31620" data-vars-headline="Gourd riddance: How to compost and donate pumpkins around D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.neefusa.org/story/sustainability/dont-send-your-pumpkins-graveyard" target="_blank">harmful methane</a>, whereas turning them into compost or feed cuts waste.

How the National Aquarium gets new sharks for its jaws-packed exhibit

Pandas fly the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Panda FedEx Express" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/26/pandas-leaving-dc-national-zoo" data-vars-content-id="383109fc-6312-4eb9-bffd-911ec0f7172d" data-vars-headline="How the National Aquarium gets new sharks for its jaws-packed exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/10/26/pandas-leaving-dc-national-zoo" target="_self">Panda FedEx Express</a>. Zebras get an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="airlift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/runaway-pet-zebra-captured-tennessee-rcna211725" data-vars-content-id="383109fc-6312-4eb9-bffd-911ec0f7172d" data-vars-headline="How the National Aquarium gets new sharks for its jaws-packed exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/runaway-pet-zebra-captured-tennessee-rcna211725" target="_blank">airlift</a>. But when Baltimore&#x27;s National Aquarium needs a new shark, it&#x27;s a great-white-size task.Why it matters: It&#x27;s Shark Week, but don&#x27;t bask by the TV — there&#x27;s an apex experience at the aquarium&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shark Alley" data-vars-click-url="https://aqua.org/explore/exhibits/shark-alley" data-vars-content-id="383109fc-6312-4eb9-bffd-911ec0f7172d" data-vars-headline="How the National Aquarium gets new sharks for its jaws-packed exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://aqua.org/explore/exhibits/shark-alley" target="_blank">Shark Alley</a>,&quot; where seven species cruise for your views.