President Trump's quest to beautify the city is colliding with backlash at Meridian Hill/Malcolm X park, where the NPS plans to close off prime picnic and outdoor space through the summer for repairs.

Why it matters: Yes, we have Rock Creek and the Mall, but Meridian Hill is the public park of the inner city.

The big picture: The park has been waiting many, many years for repairs to its grand-but-broken cascading fountain, one of the longest in North America.

• The $10.7 million fix comes via the Trump administration's handyman spree ahead of the America 250 festivities — it's rehabbing seven landmark fountains in the city, per WaPo.

State of play: Crews have already closed off the park's lower level and are working on the fountain and reflecting pool.

• The end goal: Water flowing the length of the fountain for the first time in seven years.

Yes, but: Locals are upset about losing the nearly two-acre lawn — just as the weather warms.

• NPS announced it'll fence off the upper-level lawn starting this Monday through Sept. 30 to restore its grass. The turf was last fixed in 2019, but worn down from use, "particularly dog walkings and sports activities," says NPS spokesperson Autumn Cook.
• A change.org petition has racked up over 2,000 signatures urging NPS to consider a phased approach to construction. And there's a "Party on the Lawn" Saturday to rally support for the cause.

Zoom in: Spanning several city blocks, Meridian Hill is the backyard of many an apartment dweller, a third space for potlucks, first dates, snowball fights and drum circles.

• "That's my park 😭," one petitioner commented.

The other side: NPS believes that "less restrictive measures are not possible" due to safety concerns and the need to "ensure resource protection," per superintendent Brian Joyner.

• The park spokesperson says NPS is grateful for folks' "patience and support" as the agency works to protect Meridian Hill "for generations to come."

Flashback: The park's lower level reopened in 2023 after undergoing almost three years of sprucing up landscaping and walkways.

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You don't see many parking decks in D.C., but the ones at the new Commanders stadium could be up to 110 feet tall.

Why it matters: At more than half the height of the stadium itself, the latest designs show the 11-story garages swallowing the skyline.

Context: Nats Park has above-ground parking decks, but are comparative stubs at four stories high.

• The max height of a D.C. building under the city's Height Act? On a commercial strip, it's 130 feet, or 13 stories.

Zoom in: The total number of parking spots won't exceed 8,000 spaces, the team says in its submission.

• Two multi-level parking decks will carry 75% of those spaces.
• The rest will span surface lots, which will also host tailgating in the early years of the stadium.
• Eventually, tailgating will move to the top of the parking decks.

The Commanders admit some of the community feedback has urged them to consider "low garage heights."

• Their NCPC filing says they're trying to square their needs with "minimizing neighborhood impacts and preserving public open space."

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Polymarket is opening a "Situation Room" pop-up bar near downtown D.C. Friday for a weekend-long run.

Why it matters: Forget Political Pattie's and the Bitcoin pub — this is the most D.C. thing to happen to a bar.

State of play: Think "live X feeds, flight radar, a Bloomberg terminal and Polymarket screens," per a post on X that the prediction market platform cited as inspiration.

• The sports bar for the situationally obsessed — a viral meme — is taking over Proper 21 near Foggy Bottom, reps tell Axios.

Zoom in: Polymarket organizers say they've secured nearly 80 screens, a six-foot globe and interactive touch tables.

• It's open to the public starting 8pm Friday, and then at 11am to close, Friday and Saturday.

What's next: D.C. is "proof of concept," Polymarket growth strategist Josh Tucker tells Axios of the pop-up/stunt marketing campaign. "We'll go wherever the situation needs monitoring."

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🚙 House Republicans advanced a bill to ban D.C.'s automated traffic cameras and allow right turns on red. Local officials warn the move could reverse recent safety gains, including a sharp drop in traffic fatalities. (DC News Now)

💧Montgomery County partially lifted its recreational water advisory yesterday, allowing activities on the Potomac to resume downstream starting at Lock 8 in Cabin John. D.C. fully lifted its advisory earlier this month.

☕ It's Cafe Day at nonprofit DC Central Kitchen, which provides critical culinary training. Stop by three D.C. locations for $1 coffee and pastries, plus info sessions and volunteer opportunities.

D.C. has no shortage of luxe steakhouses — but José Andrés' new downtown chophouse might be the most over-the-top yet.

• Welcome to Bazaar Meat, opening today.

Why it matters: In an era when protein is king, Andrés' new hot spot is giving Versailles — let them eat steak.

The vibe: Call it a big night out for the bro-tein set. Or, as Andrés puts it on the menu: "I will eat whatever makes me feel like a lion!"

• The marbled Old Post Office lobby inside the Waldorf Astoria sets the stage for a see-and-be-seen dining room, complete with $22 "Freezer Martinis," a Japanese Wagyu Program and hulking "Big Guy" cuts.

Catch up quick: Yes, the maximalist meatery lands in the former Trump hotel, replacing Andrés' Bazaar — and before that, Trump-world favorite BLT Prime.

The splurge: A whole Spanish suckling pig (9–11 pounds) for $540 — with 24 hours' notice.

• You can order a $160 quarter portion on the fly.

The smallest flex: "Little snacks" like a $25 "José's Taco" (jamón ibérico, caviar, gold leaf).

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