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Axios DC
Nervous Bay Bridge drivers can pay this company to take the wheel
Heads up: If crossing the four-mile-long, winding Bay Bridge makes you nervous, there's a company that will take the wheel for you.Why it matters: A trip to Rehoboth or the Eastern Shore shouldn't give you anxiety (save your scaries for the OC Boardwalk).How it works: Drivers for the Kent Island Express meet you near the bridge and hop in your car.It's $40 cash, or $50 for a credit card.You need to call an hour ahead of getting to the bridge.The drive can take five to 10 minutes — or worse in traffic.Bridge jitters: The Washington Post recently found that more...
Pet parents could benefit from these political pushes in the DMV
Some pet-related moves in local politics (or should we say … paw-litics) could make life easier for DMV owners. Why it matters: D.C. really, really loves its animals. Driving the news: Last month, D.C. Council member Robert White introduced the "Pets in Housing Act" that would cap security deposits and monthly fees for people renting with pets, as well as eliminate breed regulations.
D.C. primary election results: Tight race in Ward 7
The Democratic primary election in Ward 7 remained tight Tuesday evening, between two candidates with opposing views of the city's biggest project-in-waiting, RFK Stadium.Why it matters: The successor to Ward 7 council member Vincent Gray will be a key vote on the future of the RFK site — and an advocate for underrepresented communities east of the Anacostia River.The big picture: In this deep blue city, the winner of the Democratic primary is highly likely to win their seat in the November general election.State of play: Wendell Felder leads with a little more than 200 votes over Ebony Payne....
You can track Metro's Pride train and bus around D.C.
Metro just rolled out new Pride rides — a rainbow-wrapped bus and train — to commemorate Capital Pride month.Why it matters: It's the third year in a row Metro is wrapping vehicles with inclusive themes.Zoom in: Colorful wraps on special Metro buses and trains nod to Capital Pride's '80s and '90s vibe this year. The vehicles will run through June 30.The theme: Be True. Be You. On Metro.The intrigue: You can track vehicle locations here (click on "special edition" up top). The locations will only appear when they're in service.What's next: The bus will be part of the Pride parade, during which employees will give out merch like sweatbands, stickers, bandanas, and flags. You can also snag the swag via the online store.
D.C. Democratic primary day includes competitive D.C. Council race
D.C. voters today will pick the likely successor to retiring Ward 7 Council member Vincent Gray, and weigh in on several other primary races.Why it matters: The Ward 7 race is closely watched because its next leader will represent an area plagued by some of the worst crime and poverty in the city and likely shape the future of the RFK Stadium site.State of play: High turnout is not expected for this Democratic primary.Incumbents historically do well in D.C. Council members Brooke Pinto (Ward 2), Janeese Lewis George (Ward 4), Trayon White (Ward 8), and Robert White (at-large) are running...
D.C.-area sports shops hit by pickleball paddle thefts
DMV sports shops have been hit by a string of pickleball paddle-nappings.Why it matters: Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last few years especially around D.C., leading to more courts, more players, and some local drama, of course.Driving the news: D.C. shop Tennis Zone Plus, Virginia-based group Alpine Ski Shop, and Rockville's Tennis Topia have all recently had pickleball paddles stolen, with the last store losing around $4,500 worth of paddles, the Washington Post reports.It's part of a retail theft trend popping up across the country — thieves stole over $30,000 of pickleball paddles from a Colorado business in February.Context: Pickleball paddles are likely targeted because they're lightweight, flat, and easily hideable, plus high-end ones can go for $250+.What they're saying: "It is a small, high-dollar item," Alpine Ski Shop co-owner Tyler Bunch told the Post. "You sell them on eBay for $200 apiece or marketplace or Craigslist."The intrigue: Several local owners allege that the same group of three people — a man and two women who snuck the paddles under loose clothing — were behind the thefts, although police couldn't confirm this.
Michael Saylor to settle D.C. tax fraud case for $40 million
Crypto billionaire Michael Saylor and the tech company he co-founded, MicroStrategy, will pay $40 million to settle tax fraud allegations in D.C.Why it matters: It's the largest income tax fraud recovery in city history, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced on Monday.Zoom in: D.C. alleged that Saylor dodged city income taxes by claiming he lived in Virginia or Florida while owning a lavish Georgetown penthouse. Schwalb's office had claimed Saylor owed over $25 million in income taxes between 2005 and 2020.Whistleblowers alleged Saylor "openly bragged to friends and acquaintances about evading D.C. taxes," per Schwalb's office.The alleged scheme involved MicroStrategy...
How to score a rare sub-4% mortgage in D.C.'s tight housing market
As mortgage rates and Washington house prices remain high, an unusual real estate amenity is getting buzz: a sub-4% mortgage.Why it matters: The new idea to revive the housing market is something called an "assumable mortgage," where a homebuyer not only acquires a house but also the seller's mortgage.The big picture: Sounds cool in theory — DMV homebuyers and sellers surely miss the ultra-low mortgage rates of a now-bygone era, especially as we see record-high home prices — but the problem is these assumable mortgages are rare, hard-to-obtain specimens.Enter a wave of new companies created to help buyers find homes...
We'd totally wear the zoo's new panda swag
We're all very excited about the National Zoo's new pandas, but in the meantime, everyone's talking about the fresh panda swag.Why it matters: The limited-edition "Pandas Are Coming" merch is more sophisticated than your average bear-wear — plus sale proceeds go toward animal conservation.Zoom in: The all-black-and-white line of clothing and accessories represents the pillars of panda conservation (e.g. bears and bamboo forests).The panda's profile — intentionally forward-looking — was inspired by the classic Zoo animal designs and icons created by Lance Wyman in 1975. You'll know them when you see them!💭 Our thought bubble: We can see the "pandafluencers" getting excited about the crop tees and reversible bucket hats.
D.C.'s new LGBTQ+ hub will bring life-changing services under one roof
A former warehouse in Shaw is transforming into a huge, dynamic center for LGBTQ+ organizations in D.C.Why it matters: Advocates hope the nearly 7,000-square-foot complex will become a rare hub where LGBTQ+ folks in the region can access a range of services — from counseling to yoga and meditation classes and free hot meals— all in one place.How it works: When it opens, the five-story complex neighboring Howard Theatre will house the DC LGBTQ+ Community Center (The DC Center), a service-oriented nonprofit, and the Capital Pride Alliance (CPA), which spearheads D.C. Pride and more programming.It will also have office and...
D.C. starter homes turning into forever homes
Data: Maxwell; Note: Analysis comes from 300+ U.S. lenders; Chart: Axios VisualsNew buyers aren't the only ones frustrated by this market. Existing homeowners stuck in close quarters are feeling the squeeze, too.Why it matters: Your starter home could become your forever home.What they're saying: "We have been stuck in our starter home since 2010 … and our family has doubled in size," Cameron Hurley tells us.She and her husband own a two-bed two-bath condo in the Atlas District — a big upgrade from their Adams Morgan studio.They've dreamed of a larger space, but would have to leave the neighborhood to...
Pride guide 2024: D.C. parties, parades and events
It's Pride Month in D.C. and there are tons of ways to celebrate.Mark your calendar: Capital Pride weekend is June 7-9, which includes the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday and Sunday festival and concert headlined by Ava Max and Billy Porter.Tons of events are organized by the Capital Pride Alliance.What's new: The parade route is different in advance of the HUGE celebration next year, WorldPride, which marks the 50th anniversary of Pride in D.C.The route skips Dupont Circle due to narrow streets and instead moves through downtown to accommodate more people and festivities.What's happening: More parades, concerts, and kickoff...
A Negro Leagues baseball legend who played in D.C. is now top of MLB record books
D.C. baseball legend Josh Gibson, who played in the Negro Leagues in the 1930s and '40s, is now the all-time Major League Baseball batting champion.Why it matters: After a long wait, the MLB this week decided to include performance stats from Negro Leagues players in its all-time leaderboards.The big picture: Gibson, who played for the Homestead Grays in D.C., and other Negro Leagues players were barred from the MLB during segregation.Gibson is often called "the Black Babe Ruth." He has been inducted into the Ring of Honor at Nationals Park.His lifetime batting average of .372 has bested Ty Cobb, who batted .367 from 1905-28.Data: MLB. Chart: Axios VisualsState of play: Once overlooked Negro Leagues stars now populate top-ten lists, and more records may change as the MLB analyzes other numbers from seven professional Negro Leagues that operated between 1920 and 1948.Catch up quick: MLB announced the change following years of debate and recommendations from the independent Negro Leagues Statistical Review Committee.The murder of George Floyd in 2020 forced a national racial awakening. MLB responded by elevating the Negro Leagues to "major" status, meaning their statistics and records joined Major League Baseball history but didn't overtake MLB records at the time.
Plans for former SunTrust site in Adams Morgan include plaza, stage
The much-disputed former SunTrust site in Adams Morgan could eventually contain affordable housing and a public plaza with memorials and a stage, per plans filed with the area's ANC. Why it matters: Debates about the future of the plaza at the busy intersection of Columbia Road and 18th Street NW...
New marina bar serves slushies and slices along the Potomac
Catboat Pizza Bar, a new waterfront spot, opens at the Washington Sailing Marina this weekend for wine, slushies, and slices.Why it matters: Main waterfront bars get packed and expensive, while marina bars have all the nautical charm without the fuss.Dig in: The drink deck is from the team behind Park View spots Sonny's Pizza and No Kisses bar. It's opening Saturday and Sunday this weekend with a small, wallet-friendly menu of beers ($5-$7), natural wines ($12), slushies ($8), and slices starting at $5.50. The Alexandria marina is a quick drive from D.C., a mere hop off the Mount Vernon Bike Trail, and kayak accessible.Between the lines: Catboat isn't far from another marina gem, Island Time Bar & Grill off the Pentagon Lagoon.What's next: Look for expanded hours and menus, plus events all summer including an opening bash on June 9 and a July 4th party. A portion of all sales go towards the National Park Service.If you go: Catboat will be open from noon to 9pm on Saturday and Sunday. Starting June 7, it'll be open on Fridays from 3pm to 9pm.
Here's what's happening in D.C. this weekend
This weekend in D.C., check out the New Kitchens on the Block food festival, Pride Family Day, Met Fest and more.1. 😋 Pop-up and eatBe the first to try new local restaurants (before they even open) at New Kitchens on the Block food festival.How it works: There are two rounds of the pop-up, one at noon–2pm and the other at 3–5pm. Both are Saturday at the Mess Hall. General admission tickets start at $119.By the numbers: Nine chefs and restaurateurs will preview places, including Alex McCoy's Monstera Burrito and Silver and Sons BBQ. Read more here.2. 🎷 Jazz in the...
D.C. could be getting a "mansion tax"
A new "mansion tax" would take effect in D.C. under a budget proposal advanced by council members yesterday.Why it matters: Lawmakers are using that tax and other changes to make ends meet in a tough budget year — to the dismay of Mayor Muriel Bowser, who opposes the council's tweaks. State of play: The property tax rate would go up on the value of homes above $2.5 million.For example, the tax bill for a $2.6 million home would go up 0.3%, according to Council chair Phil Mendelson's office.A home worth $3 million would pay about 2.7% more. For a $5...
Sneak peek: All-day Italian gem to open in Navy Yard
Ama, a casually chic Italian restaurant from D.C. hospitality vets, opens near Navy Yard on June 4.Why it matters: The neighborhood haunt stands out from a wave of new Italians with all-day service, bountiful aperitivo, and cooking from lesser-seen regions in the north and south.Dig in: Chef Johanna Hellrigl won fans for globetrotting fare at Doi Moi and Mercy Me. Now, she and husband/bar talent Micah Wilder (Chaplin's, Zeppelin) are homing in on her Italian heritage and upbringing with an intimate family restaurant.Ama's promises a warm welcome with a big bar, window bancone (counter) for leaning with espresso or spritzes,...
Tight race to represent Ward 7 on D.C. Council nears finish line
The retirement of Vincent Gray has left a power vacuum in Ward 7, with 10 candidates clamoring for the job and a gush of spending and campaigning until the finish line.Why it matters: The ward's next council member will confront generational challenges — and be a key player in the city's biggest project-in-waiting, the 190-acre transformation of RFK Stadium.The big picture: Ward 7 is home to many working- and middle-class neighborhoods of rowhouses, stretching from Benning Road NE to the border with Prince George's County. It's also the flipside of Washington's decade-plus resurgence.Nearly one in four live in poverty. Development...
Giant pandas are coming back to D.C.'s National Zoo
D.C. is officially getting giant pandas back at the National Zoo.Why it matters: In a city where panda merch and "bearthday" parties were rampant, being giant panda-less since November has not been easy for Washingtonians. Now that they're coming back, expect plenty of happy "pandamonium."Driving the news: D.C. will receive a pair of pandas by the end of the year, per an elaborate video announcement Wednesday involving first lady Jill Biden, Smithsonian secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, and National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute director Brandie Smith.The big picture: Since China first sent giant pandas to the National Zoo following...
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Axios DC, anchored by Chelsea Cirruzzo, Cuneyt Dil and Paige Hopkins, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.
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