Axios D.C.

September 18, 2025
Almost Friday!
π€οΈ Today's weather: Where's fall y'all? Mostly sunny. High near 82.
π Happy birthday to our Axios D.C. members Alex Barker and Christopher Kammler!
Today's newsletter is 1,054 words β a 4-minute read.
1 big thing: β RFK Stadium deal approved
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 β 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.
2. π¬ New Dulles concourse eats
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, JosΓ© AndrΓ©s) 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 β plus more entertainment.
What's new:
- Ellie Bird: A spinoff of Yuan and Carey Tan's New American eatery β 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.
3. Around the Beltway: π Fed crackdown charges dropped

π¨ 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)
π The House passed two bills related to D.C. crime yesterday β 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)
πΈ 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)
π 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.
4. π Join us for Axios D.C. book club!
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.
π Mimi's thought bubble: This was one of my favorite books I've read this year β so big-hearted and funny and tender and weird β 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.
New jobs to check out
ποΈ See who's hiring around D.C.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Vice President at Mortgage Bankers Association.
- Director, Systems & Event Technology at Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).
- Software Developer at General Dynamics Information Technology.
- Program Analyst at JRC Integrated Systems.
- Mid TM Analyst at Prescient Edge.
Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.
5. π Captain crunch
Caps captain Alex Ovechkin is dropping a new cereal β "Ovi's Great Crunch" β 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.
π₯£ 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" β the ice rink of cereals! β 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.
π Flashback: Ovi O's cereal debuted in 2019 to celebrate Washington's Stanley Cup victory.
- Boxes are still trading on eBay β because winning never gets stale.
π€§ Cuneyt is still trying to shake off a lingering cough.
π― Mimi is processing the TSITP finale. Hit her with your thoughts!!
πΊ Anna is catching up to Mimi on TSITP (and is scared for Season 3 based on her anger). No spoilers, please!
Want more Axios D.C. content? Check out our Instagram for extra stuff to do, behind-the-scenes photos, videos and more!
Today's newsletter was edited by Alexa Mencia Orozco.
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