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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.

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>

Alex Ovechkin's farewell tour begins

The NHL's all-time goals leader will retire after 22 seasons as the face of the Capitals.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alexander Ovechkin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/02/capitals-schedule-ovechkin" data-vars-content-id="a55e228f-a077-4492-b2ea-899045b5acf4" data-vars-headline="Alex Ovechkin&#x27;s farewell tour begins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/02/capitals-schedule-ovechkin" target="_self">Alexander Ovechkin</a> is calling it a career when this — his 22nd NHL season — is done.Why it matters: The NHL&#x27;s all-time leading goal-scorer has been the face of the Washington Capitals for more than two decades, transforming them from an afterthought into one of D.C.&#x27;s most consistently relevant teams.

Savannah Bananas save their biggest show for D.C.

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

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.

What's new to eat at Capital One Arena this Caps season

Lobster rolls, Wagyu smash burgers and an award-winning cheesesteak join the lineup as the Capitals return to home ice.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Capitals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/02/capitals-schedule-ovechkin" data-vars-content-id="1f543862-bfbc-445a-a290-acdd50e23d8d" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new to eat at Capital One Arena this Caps season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/02/capitals-schedule-ovechkin" target="_self">The Capitals</a> are back on home ice tonight, with an exciting new lineup of food and beverages.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capital One Arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/07/capital-one-arena-renovation-whats-new-2026" data-vars-content-id="1f543862-bfbc-445a-a290-acdd50e23d8d" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new to eat at Capital One Arena this Caps season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/07/capital-one-arena-renovation-whats-new-2026" target="_self">Capital One Arena</a> is rolling out new restaurants and chef collabs for the 2026-27 season as its $1 billion+ transformation continues.

Capital One Arena welcomes fans back to its ongoing renovation

Much of the arena's $1 billion-plus transformation is still a year away.

&quot;Pardon our dust.&quot;<ul><li>That&#x27;s the message from <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="38f990b7-fffc-4544-bca2-50eaa02160b1" data-vars-headline="Capital One Arena welcomes fans back to its ongoing renovation" 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> as Capitals and Wizards fans return to a still-under-construction venue this season.</li></ul>Why it matters: After closing for construction over the summer, the Chinatown arena is back in regular use. But much of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1 billion-plus transformation" data-vars-click-url="https://monumentalsports.com/2026/08/monumental-sports-entertainment-unveils-bold-vision-for-brand-new-capital-one-arena/" data-vars-content-id="38f990b7-fffc-4544-bca2-50eaa02160b1" data-vars-headline="Capital One Arena welcomes fans back to its ongoing renovation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://monumentalsports.com/2026/08/monumental-sports-entertainment-unveils-bold-vision-for-brand-new-capital-one-arena/" target="_blank">$1 billion-plus transformation</a> is still a year away.

No prank: Anthony Davis seems happy with the Wizards

Davis is a lifelong prankster. His energy could influence the Wizards.

Last week I asked readers which D.C. athlete, past or present, would make the best &quot;Saturday Night Live&quot; host.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Ovechkin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/10/05/alex-ovechkin-retirement-announcement-washington-capitals" data-vars-content-id="9c985ae7-e7c3-420f-a6b2-e72644102832" data-vars-headline="No prank: Anthony Davis seems happy with the Wizards" 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/alex-ovechkin-retirement-announcement-washington-capitals" target="_self">Alex Ovechkin</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gilbert Arenas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/16/untold-shooting-guards-revisits-washington-wizards-locker-room-gun-scandal" data-vars-content-id="9c985ae7-e7c3-420f-a6b2-e72644102832" data-vars-headline="No prank: Anthony Davis seems happy with the Wizards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/05/16/untold-shooting-guards-revisits-washington-wizards-locker-room-gun-scandal" target="_self">Gilbert Arenas</a> and John Riggins were popular choices. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trinity Rodman" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/13/trinity-rodman-washington-spirit-dc" data-vars-content-id="9c985ae7-e7c3-420f-a6b2-e72644102832" data-vars-headline="No prank: Anthony Davis seems happy with the Wizards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/06/13/trinity-rodman-washington-spirit-dc" target="_self">Trinity Rodman</a> won overall.</li></ul>My pick? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anthony Davis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/05/anthony-davis-traded-from-dallas-mavericks" data-vars-content-id="9c985ae7-e7c3-420f-a6b2-e72644102832" data-vars-headline="No prank: Anthony Davis seems happy with the Wizards" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/05/anthony-davis-traded-from-dallas-mavericks" target="_self">Anthony Davis</a>.<ul><li>Seriously.</li></ul>Why it matters: Davis is the Wizards&#x27; biggest star and biggest unknown. But we&#x27;re finally getting to know the guy.

The Commanders are already on QB No. 3. Who is he?

He's already got a great nickname: The Baklava Bomber.

If you slept in Sunday and forgot the Commanders were playing on British Summer Time, you might have turned on your TV to see … who playing quarterback?<ul><li>That would be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Athan Kaliakmanis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/17/commanders-quarterbacks-mariota-hartman-kaliakmanis" data-vars-content-id="6ec34b82-c7ef-41a9-b0fb-dbdba6e7f6e7" data-vars-headline="The Commanders are already on QB No. 3. Who is he?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/08/17/commanders-quarterbacks-mariota-hartman-kaliakmanis" target="_self">Athan Kaliakmanis</a>, Washington&#x27;s seventh-round rookie and third-string QB.</li></ul>Why it matters: The season is less than a month old. The Commanders are 1-3. And three quarterbacks have already played the bulk of a game.

Your (tough) grades for the Nationals' season

Axios DC readers gave 2026 Nationals (barely) passing grades.

We asked you to grade the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nats&#x27;2026 season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/28/washington-nationals-2026-season-review" data-vars-content-id="bc90d956-7808-4784-8456-7dfb715944ac" data-vars-headline="Your (tough) grades for the Nationals&#x27; season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/28/washington-nationals-2026-season-review" target="_self">Nats&#x27;2026 season</a>. Why it matters: With a 77-85 record and missing the playoffs for the seventh year in a row, Washington was average … at best. <ul><li>Which is where the majority of our readers put them. </li></ul>

Ovi and the Capitals are back. Here are the dates to circle.

The Caps begin their season, which is Ovechkin's 22nd with the team.

The Washington Capitals begin their season Friday (Oct. 2) — Alex Ovechkin&#x27;s 22nd with the team.Why it matters: After Ovechkin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appeared in a pro-Putin video last month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/15/alex-ovechkin-putin-united-russia-campaign-ad" data-vars-content-id="2437247f-c565-4985-80ca-4fd9b40c0c3a" data-vars-headline="Ovi and the Capitals are back. Here are the dates to circle." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/09/15/alex-ovechkin-putin-united-russia-campaign-ad" target="_self">appeared in a pro-Putin video last month</a>, his reception in visiting arenas, if not at home, will be a storyline.<ul><li>Then there&#x27;s the hockey.</li></ul>

Sports 🏅

Savannah Bananas save their biggest show for D.C.

What's new to eat at Capital One Arena this Caps season

Capital One Arena welcomes fans back to its ongoing renovation

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

No prank: Anthony Davis seems happy with the Wizards