What the Helen of Troy is This

This is, understandably, a new perennial question:

“Dear PoPville,

I made an interesting observation a few weeks ago while commuting home from work. I was stopped in traffic at the top of 395 where the tunnel ends and I noticed the large storage door open next to the northbound lanes. Just inside the door sits a very large statue of a lion. It seemed like a very surprising thing to be stored in there. I’d be interested to know if anyone has the backstory on why it’s in there and where it came from. Feel like a weird DC secret.”

We’ve previously learned that: (more…)


Zoo


The Zoo’s day-old female Asian elephant calf explores an enclosure inside the Elephant Barn Feb. 3, 2026. Photo by Roshan Patel, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

From the National Zoo:

“For the first time in nearly 25 years, elephant care staff at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) are celebrating the birth of an Asian elephant—an endangered species. The female calf was born overnight Feb. 2 at 1:15 a.m. to 12-year-old mother Nhi Linh and 44-year-old father Spike. The pair bred in April 2024 following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP). Asian elephant pregnancies last 18 to 22 months on average; Nhi Linh’s pregnancy was 21 months. (more…)


Columbia Heights


Pablo in Columbia Heights

“Dear PoPville,

A random act of kindness happened yesterday! My husband finally decided it was the day to dig our car out (I know we are slow, but we had nowhere to go) . While he was at it, a stranger showed up and helped him with a much better tool. He had his dog with him and mentioned he was going around helping people. (more…)


Sponsored

This article is sponsored by RLAH @properties.

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  • “A beautifully maintained row house in Columbia Heights that pairs original DC charm with true move-in-ready condition. This exceptional home offers 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths total, including a fully separate basement rental unit with its own entrance — ideal for rental income, an au pair suite, or multigenerational living.”

  • “With more than 3,400 square feet across four finished levels, this expansive Brightwood rowhouse offers a scale and flexibility rarely found in the neighborhood. The fully finished lower level is a true second unit with its own kitchen, bath, private walkout entrance, and Certificate of Occupancy.”

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BikeDC


hero from the PoPville archives

From DDOT:

“The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to attend public meetings for the 11th Street NW Multimodal Safety Project from L Street NW to Monroe Street NW. This project updates the existing bike lane and improves safety for all road users for one of DC’s most heavily used bicycle corridors. (more…)


Event

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Meet representatives from AmaWaterways, Collette, Oceania Cruises and Premier World Discovery. Hear informative presentations, ask questions, explore exciting vacation possibilities and discover which travel experience may be the perfect fit for you.


Rant/Revel


photo by Rudi

You can talk about whatever is on your mind – quality of life issues, a beautiful tree you spotted, scuttlebutt, or any random questions/thoughts you may have. But please no personal attacks and no need to correct people’s grammar. This is a place to vent and/or celebrate things about daily life in D.C.

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sports

Ed. Note: There was The American Le Mans Series at the RFK Stadium parking lots back in 2002.

From Monumental Sports:

“INDYCAR and Monumental Sports & Entertainment have teamed up to promote this summer’s historic Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. The event will be the first-ever motor race on the National Mall and city streets, taking place August 21-23 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. (more…)