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Parking debate dominates first phase of Commanders stadium development

The transportation question is the first hurdle for the Commanders project.

News

Some D.C. officials are pushing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Commanders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/30/commanders-colts-london-trip-flight-fans" data-vars-content-id="ac7280d9-c9cb-4ba0-87c5-3bf45230a148" data-vars-headline="Parking debate dominates first phase of Commanders stadium development" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/30/commanders-colts-london-trip-flight-fans" target="_self">Washington Commanders</a> to rethink the two parking garage decks proposed for the RFK site, echoing criticism from neighbors.Why it matters: Transportation is the hottest debate so far on the road to building the Commanders stadium by 2030 (see also: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Metro access" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/24/rfk-stadium-development-commanders" data-vars-content-id="ac7280d9-c9cb-4ba0-87c5-3bf45230a148" data-vars-headline="Parking debate dominates first phase of Commanders stadium development" 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/rfk-stadium-development-commanders" target="_self">Metro access</a>).

Capital One Arena fans can claim cash from $4.5M settlement

A $4.5 million settlement could mean cash for Caps, Wizards and concert fans. Here's how to claim your share.

Check your inbox: Thousands of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capital One Arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/11/capitol-one-arena-renovation-renderings-beer-hall" data-vars-content-id="2b9698ca-cce0-4cea-b6d6-10e465719025" data-vars-headline="Capital One Arena fans can claim cash from $4.5M settlement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/11/capitol-one-arena-renovation-renderings-beer-hall" target="_self">Capital One Arena</a> customers may be eligible for a payout from a $4.5 million settlement over a 3% &quot;venue fee&quot; tacked onto concessions.Why it matters: The multimillion-dollar deal raises the stakes in D.C.&#x27;s long-running fight over mandatory fees and how they&#x27;re disclosed.

Commanders fans ride emotional journey to London

It's been an emotional ride to Washington's international game.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jayden Daniels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/21/jayden-daniels-injury-update-commanders-cowboys" data-vars-content-id="374808e2-adb5-4b21-8bb1-8c12bc3917b7" data-vars-headline="Commanders fans ride emotional journey to London" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/21/jayden-daniels-injury-update-commanders-cowboys" target="_self">Jayden Daniels</a> made it to London after all.<ul><li>The Commanders quarterback practiced Wednesday with a brace on his left arm, and coach Dan Quinn said the team will decide Friday whether he can play Sunday against the Colts.</li></ul>Why it matters: That&#x27;s welcome news for a group of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Commanders" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/11/nfl-season-preview-daniels-commanders-bounce-back" data-vars-content-id="374808e2-adb5-4b21-8bb1-8c12bc3917b7" data-vars-headline="Commanders fans ride emotional journey to London" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/11/nfl-season-preview-daniels-commanders-bounce-back" target="_self">Commanders</a> fans whose feelings about crossing the Atlantic have taken quite the journey.

Scoop: One of D.C.'s storied salt-and-pepper houses is for sale

The $2.3 million Foxhall Road home has been extensively renovated after years of controversy.

Real Estate

One of the much-talked-about &quot;salt-and-pepper houses&quot; on Foxhall Road is for sale.Why it matters: The twin black-and-white homes have made local headlines several times over the past decade:<ul><li>They were built using prefabricated panels assembled by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="robots" data-vars-click-url="https://washingtonian.com/2018/12/17/would-you-buy-a-house-built-by-robots/" data-vars-content-id="ebab099e-844a-4638-92e1-2be566db3cae" data-vars-headline="Scoop: One of D.C.&#x27;s storied salt-and-pepper houses is for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://washingtonian.com/2018/12/17/would-you-buy-a-house-built-by-robots/" target="_blank">robots</a> — and billed as higher quality — by a development group backed in part by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steve Salis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2017/11/13/this-local-duo-is-building-a-new-type-of-house-in.html" data-vars-content-id="ebab099e-844a-4638-92e1-2be566db3cae" data-vars-headline="Scoop: One of D.C.&#x27;s storied salt-and-pepper houses is for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2017/11/13/this-local-duo-is-building-a-new-type-of-house-in.html" target="_blank">Steve Salis</a>, the well-known restaurateur behind spots like Ted&#x27;s Bulletin, Federalist Pig and Kramers.</li></ul>

Union Market's Motel 6 is becoming a boutique hotel and lounge

Late Checkout will bring 30 design-heavy rooms, while No. 31 adds Mediterranean dining and bars.

Food and Drink

Union Market is getting a new boutique hotel.Why it matters: There&#x27;s long been chatter about plans for the area surrounding the former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Motel 6" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2022/11/23/union-market-edens-new-york-avenue-development.html" data-vars-content-id="2c2f6227-dab7-4d4d-98dd-7c98eac49744" data-vars-headline="Union Market&#x27;s Motel 6 is becoming a boutique hotel and lounge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2022/11/23/union-market-edens-new-york-avenue-development.html" target="_blank">Motel 6</a> that sits near the entrance to Union Market off New York Avenue.<ul><li>The space was transformed into a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="design pop-up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/10/union-market-motel-design-showcase" data-vars-content-id="2c2f6227-dab7-4d4d-98dd-7c98eac49744" data-vars-headline="Union Market&#x27;s Motel 6 is becoming a boutique hotel and lounge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/10/10/union-market-motel-design-showcase" target="_self">design pop-up</a> last year.</li></ul>

The little treat lover's guide to Georgetown

From gooey stroopwafels and babka to hand rolls, breakfast burritos and caviar, here's where to snack your way through the neighborhood.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgetown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/08/georgetown-guide-new-restaurants-bars-shops" data-vars-content-id="ccd51a1e-5a7a-4967-8db6-850e93a11126" data-vars-headline="The little treat lover&#x27;s guide to Georgetown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/08/georgetown-guide-new-restaurants-bars-shops" target="_self">Georgetown</a> may be D.C.&#x27;s ultimate little-treat neighborhood.Why it matters: The nabe&#x27;s snacking scene rivals its buzzy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/24/alfies-thai-restaurant-georgetown-dc" data-vars-content-id="ccd51a1e-5a7a-4967-8db6-850e93a11126" data-vars-headline="The little treat lover&#x27;s guide to Georgetown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/24/alfies-thai-restaurant-georgetown-dc" target="_self">new</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/10/new-dc-restaurants-summer-2026" data-vars-content-id="ccd51a1e-5a7a-4967-8db6-850e93a11126" data-vars-headline="The little treat lover&#x27;s guide to Georgetown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/10/new-dc-restaurants-summer-2026" target="_self">restaurants</a>. You can graze your way through stroopwafels and hand rolls, babka and breakfast burritos — plus caviar happy hour if your little treat has a big budget.

Commanders unveil a stacked lineup of new stadium eats

Home games come with viral-ready eats, local favorites and a new lineup of game-day drinks.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sushi pops" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/22/commanders-sushi-push-pops-northwest-stadium" data-vars-content-id="da101512-1257-465f-8adf-5656ed08888c" data-vars-headline="Commanders unveil a stacked lineup of new stadium eats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/22/commanders-sushi-push-pops-northwest-stadium" target="_self">Sushi pops</a>, crab-shaped pretzels and loaded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hot dogs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/04/dc-fancy-hot-dogs-caviar" data-vars-content-id="da101512-1257-465f-8adf-5656ed08888c" data-vars-headline="Commanders unveil a stacked lineup of new stadium eats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/04/dc-fancy-hot-dogs-caviar" target="_self">hot dogs</a> — the Commanders kick off their home opener Sunday with a new roster of stadium eats.Driving the chews: The team is entering the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="viral stadium food wars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.delish.com/food/a73634264/wildest-nfl-stadium-foods-2026/" data-vars-content-id="da101512-1257-465f-8adf-5656ed08888c" data-vars-headline="Commanders unveil a stacked lineup of new stadium eats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.delish.com/food/a73634264/wildest-nfl-stadium-foods-2026/" target="_blank">viral stadium food wars</a> with TikTok-ready creations, including a sushi push pop layered with Maryland blue crab, avocado and fiery corn puffs.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to D.C.

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

Things to Do

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="70c55422-dea5-4989-a8c0-57a3abc4a235" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in D.C.&#x27;s Shaw neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

This new D.C. restaurant dishes up salmon poke — for your dog

Bramble & Rye is serving wood-fired fare for humans and a gourmet "Paw-Tio" menu for pups.

If salmon poke and roasted chicken-and-rice sound tasty, bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="your pup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/02/dog-parks-new-upgrades" data-vars-content-id="7e0a6d7a-d9d9-4854-8493-3d322a6161cc" data-vars-headline="This new D.C. restaurant dishes up salmon poke — for your dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/02/dog-parks-new-upgrades" target="_self">your pup</a> to Bloomingdale&#x27;s newest restaurant — where the gourmet treatment extends below the table.Why it matters: Newcomer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bramble &amp; Rye" data-vars-click-url="https://brambleryedc.com/" data-vars-content-id="7e0a6d7a-d9d9-4854-8493-3d322a6161cc" data-vars-headline="This new D.C. restaurant dishes up salmon poke — for your dog" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://brambleryedc.com/" target="_blank">Bramble &amp; Rye</a> is catering to humans and dogs alike with wood-fired coastal cooking, brunch and a pup-friendly patio.

A devastating frost is reshaping Virginia wine

Fewer grapes, pricier fruit and creative workarounds are reshaping 2026 wines.

It&#x27;s harvest season in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Virginia wine country" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/24/new-wineries-near-dc-crimson-lane-capstone-vineyards" data-vars-content-id="d44ebf7f-a17d-4052-acae-d18cf63d0884" data-vars-headline="A devastating frost is reshaping Virginia wine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/09/24/new-wineries-near-dc-crimson-lane-capstone-vineyards" target="_self">Virginia wine country</a>, but visit some vineyards and you may notice a crucial element missing: the grapes.Why it matters: April&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="devastating freeze" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/27/virginia-maryland-wineries-frost-damage" data-vars-content-id="d44ebf7f-a17d-4052-acae-d18cf63d0884" data-vars-headline="A devastating frost is reshaping Virginia wine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/04/27/virginia-maryland-wineries-frost-damage" target="_self">devastating freeze</a>, which walloped the local <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="apple season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/03/dc-apple-picking-season-frost" data-vars-content-id="d44ebf7f-a17d-4052-acae-d18cf63d0884" data-vars-headline="A devastating frost is reshaping Virginia wine" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/03/dc-apple-picking-season-frost" target="_self">apple season</a>, is now reshaping what Virginia wineries make — and what wine lovers will eventually find in tasting rooms, shops and restaurants.

Michelin adds 4 buzzy restaurants to its 2026 D.C. guide

The newcomers are officially Michelin-recommended. Could any be D.C.'s next star?

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/19/michelin-guide-dc-star-bib-gourmand-awards-2025" data-vars-content-id="8fcb8f77-ba46-45df-b916-7be83625b4fe" data-vars-headline="Michelin adds 4 buzzy restaurants to its 2026 D.C. guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/11/19/michelin-guide-dc-star-bib-gourmand-awards-2025" target="_self">Michelin</a> just added four D.C. restaurants to its guide — a teaser before the full 2026 awards drop later this year.Why it matters: The newcomers are now officially Michelin-recommended — and could be in the running for stars or value-minded Bib Gourmand honors when the annual awards are announced.

Pati Jinich's new cookbook celebrates the "misunderstood" borderlands

The D.C.-area cooking star's new cookbook celebrates the misunderstood flavors and cultures of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands.

If you&#x27;re craving homemade tortillas and real-deal tacos, good news: Local Mexican cooking star <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pati Jinich" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/28/pati-jinich-new-pbs-show-panamericana" data-vars-content-id="45ab228a-98b4-4ddb-baab-e73613e4e167" data-vars-headline="Pati Jinich&#x27;s new cookbook celebrates the &quot;misunderstood&quot; borderlands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/04/28/pati-jinich-new-pbs-show-panamericana" target="_self">Pati Jinich</a>&#x27;s newest book just hit shelves.Why it matters: The &quot;Pati&#x27;s Mexican Table&quot; host has transformed years of travel for her hit PBS series &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Frontera" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pbs.org/show/la-frontera-pati-jinich/" data-vars-content-id="45ab228a-98b4-4ddb-baab-e73613e4e167" data-vars-headline="Pati Jinich&#x27;s new cookbook celebrates the &quot;misunderstood&quot; borderlands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pbs.org/show/la-frontera-pati-jinich/" target="_blank">La Frontera</a>&quot; into a cookbook that takes home cooks to the U.S.-Mexico borderlands — birthplace of burritos, nachos, Caesar salad and margaritas.<ul><li>&quot;They&#x27;re often misunderstood, but everybody wants a bite of them,&quot; Jinich tells Axios.</li></ul>

How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month around D.C.

Hungry for more? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hispanic Heritage Month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/09/15/houston-hispanic-heritage-month-events" data-vars-content-id="1025529b-2c01-4164-9081-7ffe80dddc41" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month around D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/09/15/houston-hispanic-heritage-month-events" target="_self">Hispanic Heritage Month</a> is underway, and D.C. is celebrating with tacos, salsa, movies and more through Oct. 15.Dig in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Taquería Xochi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.taqueriaxochi.com/" data-vars-content-id="1025529b-2c01-4164-9081-7ffe80dddc41" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month around D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.taqueriaxochi.com/" target="_blank">Taquería Xochi</a>&#x27;s Navy Yard location celebrates Mexican Independence Day tonight with Noche Mexicana, featuring pozole rojo, pambazos, music and margarita and tequila specials.

Jack Rose owner opens throwback rooftop bar with $10 cocktails

Carla is bringing back the neighborhood's early-aughts energy with $10 cocktails, throwback tunes and rooftop hangs.

If you were knocking around Adams Morgan in the early 2000s, $40 could buy a pretty good night out — drinks, food, music, maybe even a taxi, depending on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="your zone" data-vars-click-url="https://ghostsofdc.org/2023/11/10/zone-fare-system-to-taxi-meters-dcs-great-taxi-debate/" data-vars-content-id="d0a34904-c802-412a-afd4-46c3b2995370" data-vars-headline="Jack Rose owner opens throwback rooftop bar with $10 cocktails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ghostsofdc.org/2023/11/10/zone-fare-system-to-taxi-meters-dcs-great-taxi-debate/" target="_blank">your zone</a>.<ul><li>Now that sounds like a fantasy. It&#x27;s also the inspiration for Carla, a new rooftop bar opening Thursday.</li></ul>Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jack Rose" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/12/11/liquor-store-sandwiches-adams-morgan-premier-drams" data-vars-content-id="d0a34904-c802-412a-afd4-46c3b2995370" data-vars-headline="Jack Rose owner opens throwback rooftop bar with $10 cocktails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/12/11/liquor-store-sandwiches-adams-morgan-premier-drams" target="_self">Jack Rose</a> owner Bill Thomas and partner John Roberts are trying to recapture the low-key, affordable energy of their early D.C. bar days — with $10 happy hour cocktails, live tunes and a rooftop where you can smoke a cigar.

Food and Drink 🍽

Union Market's Motel 6 is becoming a boutique hotel and lounge

The little treat lover's guide to Georgetown

Commanders unveil a stacked lineup of new stadium eats

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to D.C.

This new D.C. restaurant dishes up salmon poke — for your dog