Purple Line Lawsuit Dismissed
A federal judge dismissed most of a lawsuit that sought to derail Purple Line construction in the Maryland area, the Washington Post reported. According to the Post, the judge said the project’s environmental review didn’t violate federal protections of endangered species and migratory birds. The government can now appeal the remaining snag: a court-ordered redo of the project’s ridership projection. The order has blocked Maryland’s access to millions in federal construction grants, which the Trump administration is ready to release. Construction could begin just a few weeks after the funding is in hand.
U Street Area Lands Fitness Studio
Mint announced plans for its first dedicated fitness studio at the new Manhattan Laundry complex, on Florida Avenue at 14th Street NW, a few blocks north of the U Street Metro. PoPville reported the new facility will have two studio rooms, showers and lockers. There will be packages of 10 and 20 classes, all-access memberships and special rates for current members.
Makeover for Eastern Market Park
Makeover for Eastern Market Park
Eastern Market Metro Park will get more than $4 million in funding for a complete renovation of the two-block open space. On a typical weekday, around 6,000 people use the Metro station and buses in the area. The project — meant to create a greener, safer park and strengthen the sense of community — will coincide with the modernization of the Southeast Neighborhood Library in 2019. More information on the project can be found at easternmarketmetropark.org.
Noose Hanging from Tree Outside Museum
Around 6:30 p.m. on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, a noose was found hanging from a tree outside the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum on Independence Avenue, the Washington Post reported. The museum closed for an hour after a security guard discovered the symbol of hate and racism. A criminal investigation is underway. Anyone with information is asked call the police at 202-610-8737.
National Title for Maryland Lacrosse
National Title for Maryland Lacrosse
Happy days are here again for University of Maryland lacrosse. The men’s team beat Ohio State on Memorial Day to win the national title for the first time in 42 years. The men’s team joins the women’s lacrosse team as NCAA champions.
Trump’s Communications Director Resigns
Michael Dubke, President Trump’s communications director, has resigned, according to WTOP. Dubke, founder of a GOP political advertising firm called Crossroads Media, joined the White House team in February after Trump’s original choice, Jason Miller, withdrew from consideration. Counselor Kellyanne Conway said Dubke resigned before the president’s trip overseas.
Cab Driver Charged with Rape, Kidnapping
A D.C. cab driver was arrested the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend after a passenger told police the driver raped her. Yared Geremew Mekonnen, 24, was charged with second-degree sexual abuse and kidnapping, NBC-4 reported. A witness saw the woman screaming in a taxi around 3:15 a.m. May 28. She had been drinking on U Street with her boyfriend, blacked out and woke up to Mekonnen having sex with her, she alleged.
Politics & Prose Heading to Union Market
Popular Connecticut Avenue bookstore Politics & Prose will branch out to Union Market this fall, PoPville reported. The store is set to open next to the market’s existing indoor hall. Home to more than 40 vendors and pop-ups, Union Market, on 5th Street NE, hosts community events such as “The Drive-In at Union Market,” a monthly drive-in movie series that runs from April through November.
Wegmans on the Way
Wegmans on the Way
Wegmans, a grocery chain with a cult following, plans to open a Wisconsin Avenue store at the current location of Fannie Mae, between Glover Park and Tenleytown. Fannie Mae will move out late in 2018, allowing for the store to open by 2022, the Washington Post reported. The chain currently has 10 locations in Virginia and eight in Maryland. There are also plans for a Wegmans restaurant above the store, like Amore Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar in Rochester, New York, where Wegmans is headquartered.
