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Trump's Freedom Plaza statue display could be coming down

The statues went up in Freedom Plaza in May

News

The Trump administration&#x27;s 13 bronze statue installation at Freedom Plaza appears to be nearing an end.Why it matters: They&#x27;re meant to honor Revolutionary War heroes, but the likeness of Caesar Rodney drew <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local backlash" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-display-statue-founding-father-who-enslaved-dozens-2026-03-19/" data-vars-content-id="71d7c1e8-3824-4f23-9b1b-e6e5bc5359f0" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s Freedom Plaza statue display could be coming down" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-display-statue-founding-father-who-enslaved-dozens-2026-03-19/" target="_blank">local backlash</a> earlier this year. He&#x27;s a founding father whose statue was removed in Delaware during 2020&#x27;s Black Lives Matter protests because of his history as a slave owner. <ul><li>The statues are a big presence, installed as part of America&#x27;s 250th celebrations. </li></ul>

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.

Savannah Bananas save their biggest show for D.C.

The Savannah Bananas became a hit on TikTok. Now their show is mainstream.

Sports

A Vienna native is preparing for the biggest game of his career Saturday at Nationals Park.<ul><li>That means lots of work on his dance moves.</li></ul>The big picture: Pitcher Danny Hosley and his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Savannah Bananas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/06/09/savannah-bananas-draw-148-000-people-in-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="63add06f-2c6a-423e-b5bb-160f85734ede" data-vars-headline="Savannah Bananas save their biggest show 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/charlotte/2025/06/09/savannah-bananas-draw-148-000-people-in-charlotte" target="_self">Savannah Bananas</a> teammates are wrapping up their season in D.C. with the first Banana Bowl — a championship game the novelty baseball league is billing as its grandest spectacle yet.

New laws could bring more ADUs to Maryland and Virginia

New rules make it easier to add ADUs as the D.C. region grapples with a housing crunch.

Real Estate

New state laws are making it easier to build ADUs across Maryland and Virginia.Why it matters: The push for more local ADUs — accessory dwelling units, or small housing units built on the same land as a bigger home — comes as the region sees a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="housing crunch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/05/real-estate-market-mortgage-rates-home-sales" data-vars-content-id="d563d5b1-db65-4b93-8d91-6c4259c595a3" data-vars-headline="New laws could bring more ADUs to Maryland and Virginia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/05/real-estate-market-mortgage-rates-home-sales" target="_self">housing crunch</a>.

D.C. ER visits drag on

Patients are spending a median of more than 5 hours in an emergency department, per federal data.

Health

D.C. leads the country when it comes to how long a visit to the emergency department takes. <ul><li>Patients are spending a median of more than 5 hours in the ED, according to federal data.</li></ul>Why it matters: Forthcoming insurance <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eligibility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/medicaid-work-eligibility-requirement-rules-patients" data-vars-content-id="6d2df3e5-8e04-4044-acb7-d47bf57fc5e2" data-vars-headline="D.C. ER visits drag on" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/03/medicaid-work-eligibility-requirement-rules-patients" target="_self">eligibility</a> and cost changes could lead people to put off care until their health reaches a crisis point, sending even more patients to an emergency department.

How Meta's settlement affects D.C.

The company is settling over allegations Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that harm children.

Business

Meta agreed to a roughly $17 billion settlement over allegations Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that harm children — a deal that could send hundreds of millions of dollars to the DMV.Why it matters: This is social media&#x27;s version of the landmark 1990s tobacco settlement, effectively reshaping the industry and the way young Americans experience some of their favorite platforms.

More D.C. kindergarteners have vaccine exemptions

Meanwhile, vaccination rates among D.C. kindergartners decreased last school year.

Vaccination rates among D.C. kindergartners decreased during the 2025–2026 school year, according to new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="40bd5683-55d3-4497-84ce-c279761a47a2" data-vars-headline="More D.C. kindergarteners have vaccine exemptions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">data</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CDC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="40bd5683-55d3-4497-84ce-c279761a47a2" data-vars-headline="More D.C. kindergarteners have vaccine exemptions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">CDC</a>.The big picture: It&#x27;s part of a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" data-vars-content-id="40bd5683-55d3-4497-84ce-c279761a47a2" data-vars-headline="More D.C. kindergarteners have vaccine exemptions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/17/kindergarten-vaccine-rates-fall" target="_self">national trend</a>. Exemptions from getting one or more vaccines increased in 41 states and D.C., with the U.S. average growing to 4.2% from 3.6% the year before.<ul><li>The change coincided with continued efforts by the Trump administration to make controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine policy changes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/mmr-mmrv-vaccine-shot-schedule-cdc-trump" data-vars-content-id="40bd5683-55d3-4497-84ce-c279761a47a2" data-vars-headline="More D.C. kindergarteners have vaccine exemptions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/mmr-mmrv-vaccine-shot-schedule-cdc-trump" target="_self">vaccine policy changes</a> and with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/measles-cases-surge-past-last-year" data-vars-content-id="40bd5683-55d3-4497-84ce-c279761a47a2" data-vars-headline="More D.C. kindergarteners have vaccine exemptions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/measles-cases-surge-past-last-year" target="_self">measles cases</a> hitting levels not seen in more than three decades.</li></ul>

Advancing pediatric health care with AI

A new national hub in D.C. is turning pediatric AI research into clinical workflows.

Partners

Health care AI is moving fast, but pediatric care is still waiting for tools built specifically for kids.The story: Virginia Tech and Children&#x27;s National are launching a national Pediatric Health AI Innovation Hub in D.C. to help close that gap.<ul><li>Announced at their third annual AI for Pediatric Health Symposium in June, the hub will build and test pediatric-specific AI models and clinical workflows designed to support care teams without adding to their administrative burden.</li></ul>

Balian Springs spa CEO's best skincare tip is free

The Alexandria spa founder talks K-beauty favorites and her $0 beauty secret.

Social wellness is booming. And while D.C. may not (yet) rival New York City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bathhouse renaissance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/rise-bathouses-high-margin-business/91292642" data-vars-content-id="f3f700ef-4f37-4569-9dbd-816ffd5ca335" data-vars-headline="Balian Springs spa CEO&#x27;s best skincare tip is free" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/rise-bathouses-high-margin-business/91292642" target="_blank">bathhouse renaissance</a>, Alexandria&#x27;s luxe <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balian Springs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/26/balian-springs-winter-spa-pop-up" data-vars-content-id="f3f700ef-4f37-4569-9dbd-816ffd5ca335" data-vars-headline="Balian Springs spa CEO&#x27;s best skincare tip is free" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/12/26/balian-springs-winter-spa-pop-up" target="_self">Balian Springs</a> is quickly becoming a go-to for society soakers.<ul><li>If you haven&#x27;t met the 37-year-old behind the DMV &quot;self-care social club,&quot; it&#x27;s time to know Stephanie Chon.</li></ul>

Exclusive: A boutique wellness spot is coming to Georgetown

RM Balances blends yoga, pilates, meditation and bodywork in super small-format classes.

A new way to unwind is coming to Georgetown: RM Balance, a boutique wellness studio, opens next month.Why it matters: The zen-forward spot focuses on small-group classes that blend yoga, pilates, meditation and bodywork.

D.C. gets failing grade on preterm births

Black moms are most at risk locally, per the data.

D.C. received an F grade for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="preterm birth rate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/preterm-preemie-birth-rate-state-us" data-vars-content-id="315dfaad-67e9-4ae2-b486-cbbb40693f7b" data-vars-headline="D.C. gets failing grade on preterm births" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/17/preterm-preemie-birth-rate-state-us" target="_self">preterm birth rate</a> last year, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March of Dimes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.marchofdimes.org/report-card" data-vars-content-id="315dfaad-67e9-4ae2-b486-cbbb40693f7b" data-vars-headline="D.C. gets failing grade on preterm births" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.marchofdimes.org/report-card" target="_blank">March of Dimes</a> annual report.Why it matters: The report underscores persistent gaps in equity, access and maternal care, and shows that Black mothers and their children are especially impacted by D.C.&#x27;s low scores.

D.C.'s cutest workout? Puppy yoga comes to Adams Morgan

Things to Do

Lucky Pup Yoga brings the cutest wellness craze to Adams Morgan starting Saturday, where yogis can perfect their downward dog alongside 8-week-old <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="puppies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/26/d-c-s-fave-doggos" data-vars-content-id="9cf0e198-133d-4115-89db-b3049164e532" data-vars-headline="D.C.&#x27;s cutest workout? Puppy yoga comes to Adams Morgan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/08/26/d-c-s-fave-doggos" target="_self">puppies</a>.Why it matters: We need pawsitive vibes — plus the pups get socialization skills.

95,000 D.C. residents at risk of losing Medicaid due to Trump bill

Plus: funding threats to hospitals and clinics across the region.

About 95,000 D.C. residents are at risk of losing health care coverage through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medicaid" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/14/medicaid-work-rules-states-requirements" data-vars-content-id="0b91b0ce-f719-4c65-94ad-003cae528e28" data-vars-headline="95,000 D.C. residents at risk of losing Medicaid due to Trump bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/14/medicaid-work-rules-states-requirements" target="_self">Medicaid</a> due to the Republican spending bill recently approved in Congress, the District estimates.Why it matters: President Trump&#x27;s so-called &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big, beautiful bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/02/big-beautiful-bill-gambling-food-stamps" data-vars-content-id="0b91b0ce-f719-4c65-94ad-003cae528e28" data-vars-headline="95,000 D.C. residents at risk of losing Medicaid due to Trump bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/02/big-beautiful-bill-gambling-food-stamps" target="_self">big, beautiful bill</a>&quot; impacts about 32% of D.C.&#x27;s Medicaid recipients, the District says, while also posing funding threats to hospitals and clinics across the region.

D.C. area gets an "F" on air quality metric

The region's air quality is worsening, per the American Lung Association.

The D.C. area&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="air quality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/23/air-quality-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="27d61a5b-1c03-4230-a2c3-e7888d9df0c0" data-vars-headline="D.C. area gets an &quot;F&quot; on air quality metric" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/23/air-quality-climate-change" target="_self">air quality</a> is worsening, per the American Lung Association, which gave the region an &quot;F&quot; grade on a key metric.Why it matters: Air pollution threatens everyone&#x27;s health — especially children, older people and people with asthma or heart and lung conditions.

Axios Vitals

A color-coded U.S. map shows the average wait time in emergency rooms from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. The U.S. median was 153 minutes. 

Health 🩺

D.C. ER visits drag on

How Meta's settlement affects D.C.

More D.C. kindergarteners have vaccine exemptions

Advancing pediatric health care with AI

Balian Springs spa CEO's best skincare tip is free