NFL owners are expected to vote today on the sale of the Washington Commanders to private equity billionaire Josh Harris and his investment partners.

Why it matters: The end of Dan Snyder's ownership provides a chance to reboot the team and build a new stadium.

What's happening: Three-fourths of the league's 32 owners will need to approve the sale, after Snyder agreed in April to a $6.05 billion deal with Harris.

• A pep rally is scheduled on Friday afternoon at FedEx Field, presumably with the new owners.

Context: Harris owns the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL's New Jersey Devils.

• The group includes Harris' longtime sports investment partner David Blitzer, Maryland billionaire Mitchell Rales, NBA legend Magic Johnson, former Google chief Eric Schmidt, and local businessman Mark Ein, among others.

📍 Zoom in: Harris grew up in Chevy Chase, Md., and attended The Field School, while Rales hails from Bethesda and went to Walt Whitman.

• When the deal became official, Ein wrote that it was the "honor of a lifetime to partner with Josh Harris, one of my best lifelong friends from when we first met in kindergarten at Rollingwood Elementary School in Chevy Chase, MD, and another dear friend Mitch Rales to buy our hometown team."

🔮 What to watch: Harris already has a record as a sports team owner, which gives fans a chance to read the tea leaves a bit.

• In Philadelphia, his turnaround effort involved a painstakingly long rebuilding plan dubbed "The Process," in which the 76ers went 47-199 over three seasons.
• Harris also cut ticket prices for the team and saw attendance jump.

When it comes to a venue, Harris might prefer to relocate the Commanders back to the District, if his moves in Philadelphia are any indication. (He wants to move the 76ers to downtown Philly.)

What's ahead

The Smithsonian abruptly canceled an Asian American literature festival set for next month — and organizers disagree with the institution on why.

Why it matters: The cancellation of this year's Asian American Literature Festival on July 5 — the first to be held since 2019 — has stunned participants and event planners, the Washington Post reports.

Driving the news: The Smithsonian's Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) blamed "unforeseen circumstances" in the event cancellation notice on its website, WTOP reports.

• When reached for comment this week, the Smithsonian told WTOP that event planning "did not meet Smithsonian expectations" and the institution has decided to explore a virtual format this year and a different, larger event next year.

Yes, but: In a July 17 open letter to Smithsonian leadership, first obtained by WTOP, festival partners and participants say planning had been on track when the event was canceled earlier this month.

• Organizers and participants say the decision — and the Smithsonian's explanation — unfairly and falsely puts the blame on the planners.

What they're saying: "In this decision and its execution, there has been a flagrant lack of accountability for the harm caused," particularly at a time when anti-Asian violence has been on the rise, the letter states.

• It also says organizers were asked to provide the Smithsonian with information on sensitive or controversial content that will be included in the festival. They say the festival was canceled after that information, which noted programming on trans and nonbinary people, was sent.

A Smithsonian spokesperson didn't return Axios' requests for comment.

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One of D.C. hottest restaurants du jour, Oyster Oyster, is opening a casual Oyster Garage in Shaw tonight.

Why it matters: The waitlist for chef Rob Rubba's Michelin-starred tasting room now stretches months thanks to a flood of national awards, but the adjoining bar is open for walk-ins at a gentler price.

What's happening: The garage takes Rubba's plant-centric, hyper-seasonal, oyster-loving approach and packs it in a fun lil' 17-seat bar. Expect Sicilian-style pizzas, local oysters — the vegan exception at both restaurants since they're good for the Chesapeake Bay — natural wines and native beers/ciders.

• Also: Vintage pinball machines.

Flashback: You may feel déjà vu. A version of the garage (which is actually an old garage) functioned as a temporary hangout spot as the team navigated opening during the pandemic.

How it works: Oyster's ethos is deeply rooted in local and sustainable ingredients and practices — so no lemon wedges with Chesapeake bivalves (imported citrus is a no-go), but yes to tangy house-made cocktail vinegar infused with tomato and horseradish.

• "It's wonderful being connected to the restaurant because we can use byproducts and upcycle things," says Rubba. "What we're building can work every day."

What's on the menu

🏥 Maryland emergency rooms have some of the longest wait times in the country — four hours vs. the national average of 2.5 — and Prince George's County is at the top (4.5 hrs). Now, the county is trying to cut down by addressing workforce shortages and other measures. (DCist)

💰 It's happening: Dulles International Airport's throwback "people movers" will get a $16 million makeover after final board approval. Too bad one isn't getting the metrobar treatment. (Washington Post)

🏳️‍🌈 A new gay bar is opening this week near U Street as the owners of nearby Dirty Goose transform a former Whitlow's location into Shakers. (Eater DC)

🍿 Tweet du jour: D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton throws congressional Barbenheimer shade. (Twitter)

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D.C. is known for its wings, and Go-Go visited one Southwest this week.

• You guessed it: She was at DCA's Terminal 1!

🎋 Now can Page put bamboo leaves on its tablet menus? Congrats to reader Paige L., whose name we picked out of an airport security bin.