The D.C. Council approved yesterday the $3.7 billion deal to build a new Commanders stadium at the former RFK Stadium site and kickstart development of a residential neighborhood.

Why it matters: The resurgent NFL team is coming back to the land of Super Bowl-winning seasons, generating new tax revenue and thousands of jobs at a time when the city is trying to rejuvenate its DOGE-battered economy.

Driving the news: Council members gave final approval after months of dramatic negotiations — including an incursion by President Trump.

• The District commits about $1 billion in public subsidies to demolish and prepare the RFK Stadium footprint.
• The Commanders franchise, purchased by Josh Harris in 2023, will pay $2.7 billion for a 65,000-seat domed stadium, meant to one day host a Super Bowl and dozens of non-sports events annually.
• The 190-acre site will include six districts, including the construction of 6,000 new homes, 30% of which will be designated as affordable housing. The D.C. Council estimates the city will draw $5 billion in tax revenue over 30 years.
• Down to the wire, council members secured new guarantees from the Commanders, including a written commitment to preserve heritage trees and aim for zero waste at the stadium.

What they're saying: "We can now move forward on the transformative RFK project that will bring lasting economic growth for our city," Harris said in a statement.

• Stadium's target opening: 2030.

Between the lines: Before Mayor Muriel Bowser could claim a legacy-defining achievement, the deal took intense lobbying to Congress and a Hail Mary vote last December to give D.C. long-term control over the federal property.

• "I want to thank my 'can't stop, won't stop, never quit' team at DC Government," Bowser said in a statement, and praised Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton and Republican House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer for their support.

Zoom in: Once-skeptical lawmakers like Charles Allen applauded the final deal's provisions, like a transportation improvement fund for a potential new Metro station nearby.

• Council members supported the project's commitment to union jobs, in addition to revitalizing an underinvested slice of Washington.
• The finished project will include a new public recreation facility and riverfront trail, a plaza district catering to stadium-goers, and mixed-use neighborhoods for new residents.

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Local restaurants are taking off at Dulles, which just announced exciting new concessions for its incoming concourse.

Why it matters: Airport food is getting a glow-up at both Dulles and Reagan (hello, José Andrés) as travelers demand quality to match sky-high prices.

State of play: IAD is in major expansion mode. When the new 14-gate United Airlines concourse debuts next year, travelers can get a taste of D.C.-area restaurants and breweries — plus more entertainment.

What's new:

• Ellie Bird: A spinoff of Yuan and Carey Tan's New American eatery — as good for foodies as for families.
• Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe: DMV handmade doughnuts and specialty coffee.
• Bonchon: Justly famous Korean fried chicken.
• Aventino: Chef Mike Friedman's full-service Roman restaurant and bar in Bethesda takes flight.
• Honor Brewing: A veteran-owned brewery and restaurant with Virginia roots.
• Gameway: A video gaming lounge with comfy chairs and noise-canceling headphones.

More new stuff!

🚨 Over 50 people have faced federal charges in D.C. since Trump's emergency crime order, but prosecutors have dropped nearly a dozen cases. Judges say the high dismissal rate is straining court resources and raises concerns over whether cases are being properly vetted before charges are filed. (WTOP)

🚔 The House passed two bills related to D.C. crime yesterday — one easing restrictions on police car chases, and another giving the president more authority to appoint city judges. The bills are headed to the Senate with over a dozen others that could reshape the city's criminal justice system. (Washington Post)

💸 Georgetown icon The Tombs dropped a new $5 weekend cover charge after students threatened to boycott. Ownership says operating as a free club on weekends isn't financially viable. (Washingtonian)

🍕 Popular 14th Street pizzeria Slice & Pie just opened a stall inside Union Market. Go for tasty NYC-style (whole or slice) and Detroit pies. Adjoining sister Italian eatery Taste of Lucy offers cocktails, bites and pastas starting Friday.

It's time for another Axios D.C. book club get-together!

State of play: Mimi will interview the national bestselling author Annie Hartnett next month about her new novel, "The Road to Tender Hearts."

• It follows an old man who suddenly finds himself on a hilarious and heartfelt cross-country road trip while caring for two orphans and a cat that can predict death.

💭 Mimi's thought bubble: This was one of my favorite books I've read this year — so big-hearted and funny and tender and weird — and I cannot wait to chat with you all about it!

The deets: Join us Oct. 22, 7pm, at Wonderland Books in Bethesda.

• It's a chance to sip wine, ask Hartnett about her book and meet your fellow Axios D.C. readers.
• It's free to attend, but register here.

🏛️ See who's hiring around D.C.

1. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President at Mortgage Bankers Association.
2. Director, Systems & Event Technology at Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).
3. Software Developer at General Dynamics Information Technology.
4. Program Analyst at JRC Integrated Systems.
5. Mid TM Analyst at Prescient Edge.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Caps captain Alex Ovechkin is dropping a new cereal — "Ovi's Great Crunch" — exclusively with Giant Foods on Friday.

Why it matters: It's a fitting tribute for the serial scorer, celebrating Ovi's NHL record for all-time goals.

🥣 State of bowl: The cornflakes-style cereal comes in a collectible box ($2.99 for family-style) starring Ovi in his screaming eagle jersey.

• Giant calls it "the perfect breakfast blank canvas" — the ice rink of cereals! — ready for toppings.
• It's available at over 160 stores in the DMV and Delaware while supplies last.

The cause: Some of the proceeds support the Caps' pediatric cancer fundraising campaign.

🏆 Flashback: Ovi O's cereal debuted in 2019 to celebrate Washington's Stanley Cup victory.

• Boxes are still trading on eBay — because winning never gets stale.