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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. traffic feels brutal right now. Here's why

Welcome to the "September shock," when everyone seems to hit the road at exactly the wrong time.

If you&#x27;re wondering why D.C.-area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/23/dc-worst-traffic-in-the-us" data-vars-content-id="051a3265-22bf-4f69-bca6-8d35b3875105" data-vars-headline="D.C. traffic feels brutal right now. Here&#x27;s why" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/07/23/dc-worst-traffic-in-the-us" target="_self">traffic</a> feels bonkers-to-bumper right now, you&#x27;re not alone.Why it matters: Washington&#x27;s post-Labor Day traffic is always bad. But commutes have felt so brutal this week that everyone and their political commentators are honking about it on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social media" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/mattwhitlock/status/2100359375688794244?s=46" data-vars-content-id="051a3265-22bf-4f69-bca6-8d35b3875105" data-vars-headline="D.C. traffic feels brutal right now. Here&#x27;s why" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/mattwhitlock/status/2100359375688794244?s=46" target="_blank">social media</a>.

Washington's fourth airport gets closer to takeoff

Manassas is one step closer to becoming the region's fourth commercial airport, as Washington's aviation landscape gets a multibillion-dollar makeover.

Washington&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="next commercial airport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/01/manassas-regional-airport-flights" data-vars-content-id="a6895dab-2f2c-4d85-8003-18df8718e7af" data-vars-headline="Washington&#x27;s fourth airport gets closer to takeoff" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/05/01/manassas-regional-airport-flights" target="_self">next commercial airport</a> is one step closer to takeoff.Why it matters: Manassas Airport is poised to become the region&#x27;s fourth — and smallest — commercial airport, expanding flight options for locals and potentially creating more room for low-cost carriers.

You still can't do pull-ups at Reagan National

Nearly a year after the Trump administration unveiled a $1B program for airport renovations, none are planned at Reagan National or Dulles.

Nearly one year and $1 billion later, you still can&#x27;t do pull-ups at Reagan National Airport <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="à la RFK Jr" data-vars-click-url="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69675859/rfk-jr-sean-duffy-pullup-competition-airport/" data-vars-content-id="51503744-ee8d-45bd-8aa6-9426fa5b8511" data-vars-headline="You still can&#x27;t do pull-ups at Reagan National" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a69675859/rfk-jr-sean-duffy-pullup-competition-airport/" target="_blank">à la RFK Jr</a>.Why it matters: The Trump administration&#x27;s nearly $1 billion &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Make Travel Family Friendly Again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/transportation-secretary-duffy-launches-make-travel-family-friendly-again-campaign" data-vars-content-id="51503744-ee8d-45bd-8aa6-9426fa5b8511" data-vars-headline="You still can&#x27;t do pull-ups at Reagan National" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/transportation-secretary-duffy-launches-make-travel-family-friendly-again-campaign" target="_blank">Make Travel Family Friendly Again</a>&quot; initiative promised healthier, more family-friendly airports with amenities like exercise and play areas. But travelers at DCA and Dulles won&#x27;t see new ones under the initiative anytime soon.

Dulles is adding nonstop flights to Taipei, Cartagena, Cabo and more

D.C.-area travelers have a growing list of destinations they can reach without a connection — from Iceland to Taiwan.

Travel

Washingtonians have a bunch of new places they can fly nonstop — from Taipei to Cartagena and Cabo — as airlines expand their schedules at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dulles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/30/trump-dulles-airport-plan" data-vars-content-id="386547b7-6fb6-44f4-a4b0-ac29db25294d" data-vars-headline="Dulles is adding nonstop flights to Taipei, Cartagena, Cabo and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/07/30/trump-dulles-airport-plan" target="_self">Dulles</a>.Why it matters: The new routes make some far-flung vacation spots — and domestic destinations — easier to reach.

D.C.'s hottest club is an airport lounge

Capital One Landing has all the markers of a hip all-day cafe

Comfy leather seats. High ceilings. A celebrity chef-backed kitchen that sends out jamón, tapas and burnt Basque cheesecake. <ul><li>The catch? You&#x27;ll need a boarding pass to get in. It&#x27;s the Capital One Landing at DCA. </li></ul>Why it matters: Most airport lounges are unpredictable and often bad. This one —opened in partnership with José Andrés — is a place I actually show up early for.

New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station

Union Station is betting local favorites can fuel a D.C. comeback.

Food and Drink

Union Station is betting more local restaurants, shops and amenities can help revive the historic rail hub as a destination, not just a place to catch a train.The big picture: Five new tenants are expected to open in the coming months, including local faves <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andy&#x27;s Pizza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/1tcc7ad/axios_how_andys_pizza_uses_ai_to_run_its/" data-vars-content-id="31d7d705-3704-4d16-90da-c95c0a35eaaf" data-vars-headline="New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/washingtondc/comments/1tcc7ad/axios_how_andys_pizza_uses_ai_to_run_its/" target="_blank">Andy&#x27;s Pizza</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capo Deli" data-vars-click-url="https://capodeli.com/" data-vars-content-id="31d7d705-3704-4d16-90da-c95c0a35eaaf" data-vars-headline="New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://capodeli.com/" target="_blank">Capo Deli</a> and upscale beer/wine/spirits shop, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Housebar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.housebar.com/" data-vars-content-id="31d7d705-3704-4d16-90da-c95c0a35eaaf" data-vars-headline="New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.housebar.com/" target="_blank">Housebar</a>, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Union Station Redevelopment Corporation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usrcdc.com/" data-vars-content-id="31d7d705-3704-4d16-90da-c95c0a35eaaf" data-vars-headline="New restaurants and retail coming to Union Station" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usrcdc.com/" target="_blank">Union Station Redevelopment Corporation</a> press release.

Gold is in, people movers are out: Inside Trump's flashy plan for Dulles Airport

Glass tunnels. Gold accents. A 32,000-space parking lot.

Politics & Policy

Pointing across a 3D mockup in the Oval Office, President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="a847dbcf-0a09-4248-a286-bd7af46b8689" data-vars-headline="Gold is in, people movers are out: Inside Trump&#x27;s flashy plan for Dulles Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> unveiled his $22.5 billion <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overhaul" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCPQKhHlN9k" data-vars-content-id="a847dbcf-0a09-4248-a286-bd7af46b8689" data-vars-headline="Gold is in, people movers are out: Inside Trump&#x27;s flashy plan for Dulles Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCPQKhHlN9k" target="_blank">overhaul</a> of Dulles Airport on Wednesday, promising to turn what he called a &quot;horribly thought of&quot; gateway into &quot;maybe the best.&quot; Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive plan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/23/dulles-airport-renderings-trump-terminal-renovation-people-movers" data-vars-content-id="a847dbcf-0a09-4248-a286-bd7af46b8689" data-vars-headline="Gold is in, people movers are out: Inside Trump&#x27;s flashy plan for Dulles Airport" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/01/23/dulles-airport-renderings-trump-terminal-renovation-people-movers" target="_self">massive plan</a> replaces aging concourses, adding millions of square feet of new capacity to serve more passengers and international destinations.

Best times to travel to avoid July 4 holiday traffic in D.C.

When to hit the road, and when to stay off it.

The worst holiday traffic is predicted to be between D.C. and Annapolis on Friday, July 3rd, at 12:45pm, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA&#x27;s prediction" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/06/72-2-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-july-4th-week/" data-vars-content-id="e3a80a83-1fc3-4e07-9568-899927e90b1a" data-vars-headline="Best times to travel to avoid July 4 holiday traffic in D.C." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/06/72-2-million-americans-expected-to-travel-over-july-4th-week/" target="_blank">AAA&#x27;s prediction</a>.The big picture: About 77.2 million Americans will travel for July 4th this year, with 85% of people expected to drive amid high gas prices.

The best America's 250th getaways near D.C. for July 4 weekend

From Revolutionary-era music to waterfront fireworks, these small towns are celebrating July 4 in memorable ways.

America at 250

If you&#x27;re hoping to celebrate America&#x27;s 250th birthday without battling the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="D.C. hassle" 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="4e4f23b2-92ea-47f2-a229-41d8e4bbe64b" data-vars-headline="The best America&#x27;s 250th getaways near D.C. for July 4 weekend" 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">D.C. hassle</a>, you&#x27;re in luck.The big picture: The city sits in the middle of a region packed with Revolutionary-era history and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="small-town July 4" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/30/july-4-fireworks-annapolis-eastern-shore-frederick" data-vars-content-id="4e4f23b2-92ea-47f2-a229-41d8e4bbe64b" data-vars-headline="The best America&#x27;s 250th getaways near D.C. for July 4 weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2024/06/30/july-4-fireworks-annapolis-eastern-shore-frederick" target="_self">small-town July 4</a> traditions.<ul><li>From colonial capitals to waterfront fireworks, these nearby destinations offer memorable ways to mark the nation&#x27;s milestone birthday.</li></ul>

Best and worst times for D.C. Memorial Day 2026 travel

It's officially the start of summer travel season.

Memorial Day weekend is approaching, which means, yes, the start of summer, but also the start of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer travel traffic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/memorial-day-weekend-best-worst-drive-times" data-vars-content-id="709239c2-e125-4e7d-9c2a-6f6af6e78e8e" data-vars-headline="Best and worst times for D.C. Memorial Day 2026 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/memorial-day-weekend-best-worst-drive-times" target="_self">summer travel traffic</a>.Why it matters: This holiday weekend is expected to set a record for domestic travel, with 45 million Americans traveling, per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/05/45-million-americans-planning-memorial-day-weekend-getaways/" data-vars-content-id="709239c2-e125-4e7d-9c2a-6f6af6e78e8e" data-vars-headline="Best and worst times for D.C. Memorial Day 2026 travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2026/05/45-million-americans-planning-memorial-day-weekend-getaways/" target="_blank">AAA</a>. Plan your trip wisely.