Environment

From DC Water:

“February 5, 2026

Overnight CCTV inspection of the Potomac Interceptor revealed the blockage inside the collapsed sewer line is far more significant, showing a large rock dam stretching approximately 30 feet downstream of the original failure. The unexpected discovery exposed the severity of the obstruction and prompted an immediate reassessment that will extend the timeline for cleaning and repairs.

It’s expected to take an estimated 4-6 weeks of additional time to get a system in place that will add more, larger bypass pumps in a new location and stabilize the site for heavy machinery to safely begin removing the large rocks and boulders inside the sewer line. While the existing bypass system has mostly contained overflows, more pumps are needed to further reduce the remaining flow getting through the pipe. A bulkhead will then be installed upstream of the failure to block the pipe and limit the wastewater reaching the collapse site.

A section of the sewer line collapsed January 19, along Clara Barton Parkway and the 495 interchange and the C & O Canal National Historical Park, causing an estimated 40 million gallons a day of wastewater to escape and enter the Potomac River. (more…)


Transit

From DDOT:

“This Sunday, with the celebration of Super Bowl LX, the District encourages everyone to find a safe way home. Nationally, nearly half of all fatal crashes on Super Bowl Sunday involve alcohol. Each year, more than 13,000 people are killed in drunk-driving crashes nationwide, making impaired driving one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in the U.S. These figures are why safety organizations continue to push a clear, consistent message on game day: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. (more…)


Sponsored

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

With over 275 open houses across the city this weekend, the post–Memorial Day market is in full swing, and DC’s spring inventory is showing up beautifully. From historic Cleveland Park co-ops to Anacostia condos to Petworth Wardman classics, here’s where RLAH @properties agents will be opening doors. To see the full DC Open House list, click here.

1662 Beekman Pl NW #D
1662 Beekman Pl NW #D
  • 1662 Beekman Pl NW #D — $1,235,000 — Mount Pleasant
    Open Sat. 1-3PM & Sun. 12-2PM — Kevin Wood
    “Located in a secure, gated community in the heart of NW DC across from the newly restored Meridian Hill Park this updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath duplex offers rare indoor–outdoor living at Beekman Place. A 12′ x 22′ terrace with remote-controlled retractable awning and a 20′ x 11′ patio with mature tree and plantings create generous private outdoor space, for a combined footprint of approximately 2,158 square feet.”
  • 3980 2nd St SW — $480,000 — Bellevue
    Open Fri. 4-6PM & Sat. 1-3PM — Sherese Teixeira
    “Welcome to 3980 2nd St SW. Seller is open to providing closing cost assistance and or rate buydown, and home warranty. A beautifully renovated home just minutes from National Harbor, The Wharf, Audi Field, GWU, Howard University, National Park, newly redeveloped St Elizabeth and Downtown DC that blends luxury finishes with smart functionality, perfect for modern living and house hacking opportunities. This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home features luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, recessed lighting in every room, and an abundance of natural sunlight.”
  • 3628 New Hampshire Ave NW — $1,125,000 — Columbia Heights
    Open Sat. 1-3PM — Silvana Dias
    “Lovingly restored and thoughtfully renovated & expanded by its current owners, this remarkable home retains the timeless charm and craftsmanship that define classic Wardman architecture while incorporating the extensive upgrades today’s homeowners seek. Nearly every aspect of the home has been updated, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, outdoor living and parking pad offering true peace of mind rarely found in homes of this era.”
  • 133 U St NE — $949,900 — Eckington
    Open Fri. 5-7PM, Sat. 1-3PM & Sun. 2-4PM — David Bediz
    “Welcome to 133 U St NE, a beautifully updated end-unit rowhome offering the perfect blend of modern living, flexible space, and income potential in the heart of Washington, DC. This unique property features two units, multiple private outdoor spaces, and a detached 2-car garage—an incredible find in the city. The upper residence offers a spacious and light-filled 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath layout with exposed brick, recessed lighting, crown molding, and an open floor plan designed for comfortable living and entertaining.”
  • 1409 Potomac Ave SE — $725,000 — Capitol Hill
    Open Sat. 1-3PM — Howard Salpeter
    “WALK TO RFK. Invest now for your future. Fabulous 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath Capitol Hill rowhome with classic character and smart modern improvements. Enjoy gleaming hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and soaring 9-foot ceilings. Abundant natural light from large custom windows, patio doors, and a second floor skylight make for a bright and airy home. The updated kitchen offers generous cabinetry, butcher block countertops, and all stainless steel appliances.”

(more…)


Event

The DC Chamber Musicians close out the 25-26 season with popular works by Brahms and Dohnanyi, and three selections of newer works that are sure to delight. All set in the lovely St. Thomas’ Parish Episcopal Church in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Join us afterward for a reception featuring light refreshments (including beer and wine) and an opportunity to chat with the musicians.

On the Program


BikeDC

“Dear PoPville,

I had a bike accident on 9th Street, close to Unconvential Diner, on Wednesday morning. I don’t remember anything from the crash – just waking up in the ambulance, but I do have a recollection of three people looking after me. (more…)


1000 words

Thanks to Helen for sending from Williamsburg, VA!

If you spot a hawk, any interesting wildlife or celebrity skateboarder Tony Hawk, and get a good photo please send in an email where you spotted them to [email protected]. Thanks! Hawks around Town is made possible by a generous grant from the Ben and Sylvia Gardner foundation.


museum


Artemisia Gentileschi
Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, c. 1625
oil on canvas
overall: 81 x 105 cm (31 7/8 x 41 5/16 in.)
National Gallery of Art, Gift of Funds from Nina J. Cohen in honor of her father Emanuel Cohen and Patrons’ Permanent Fund

Some ecstatic art news to start the day from the National Gallery of Art:

“The National Gallery of Art today announced the acquisition of Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, a rare painting from circa 1625 by renowned Italian painter Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–circa 1654). This is the first singular work by Gentileschi to enter the National Gallery’s collection. Its acquisition meaningfully expands the museum’s holdings of Italian Baroque paintings by adding a defining artwork by one of the 17th century’s most celebrated artists.

The painting will be on view beginning late February in gallery 29 on the main floor of the West Building. (more…)


Rant/Revel


photo by Aileen

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