🏈 VA Senate stalls new arena

What's CITY Talking About?

Fire At Eastern Market Metro

An insulator caught fire underneath a 7000-series Metro car yesterday at the Eastern Market stop, filling the station with smoke and causing evacuations. One person was transported to the hospital, and Eastern Market, Capitol South, and Potomac Avenue stations were all closed for several hours after. [WUSA9]

VA’s New Arena Is On Pause

The Potomac Yard arena deal is “not ready for primetime,” according to VA Senator L. Louise Lucas. Democrats raised concerns over transportation around the stadium and aim to use the deal to push Governor Youngkin on marijuana market legislation and other issues. Meanwhile, Mayor Bowser is threatening legislation, stating the move breaks their lease 20 years early. [City Cast DC 🎧]

Looking for Tools

The D.C. Tool Library is fundraising after a series of break-ins at the Twin Oaks location this month. The volunteer-run library estimates it will cost $15,000 to replace the stolen gear and improve security. Over 1,000 Washingtonians rely on the library’s resources. [DCist]

• We need you! Where else in D.C. can you borrow or rent tools for construction, gardening, and such? We’re working on something 👀

Rosemount Childcare Closing

Rosemount Center bilingual childcare in Mount Pleasant will close this summer after serving the neighborhood since 1972. The center paid just $1 per year in rent, however, after 20 years, their non-profit landlord House of Mercy says the lease is no longer financially viable. Community members and officials are looking for a way to save the center that serves 240 families in an area lacking affordable childcare. [Washington Post 🔒]

What To Do

DC Insider Trivia

Let’s start with last week’s question:

What phrase has NOT been used as a tourist slogan for Washington, D.C.?

1. “A Capital City”
2. “There’s only one D.C.”
3. “The City of National Monuments”
4. "Celebrate and Discover"

Only the old timers will be familiar with some of these. Last year, Destination DC, Washington’s official marketing organization, announced our latest slogan: “There’s only one D.C.”

Before that, "Celebrate and Discover", short for "Celebrate the City — Discover the World!" adorned license plates all over 90s-era D.C. And before THAT, we just had plain old “A Capital City.”

🏅Congratulations to Hey DC readers Monica P., Brad P., and Gbenga T. for being the first three readers to answer correctly!

Now onto this week’s question:

The National Zoo was once home to the “living symbol” of what famous cartoon icon?

1. Smokey Bear
2. Peppa the Pig
3. Curious George
4. Simba the Lion

Today on City Cast

VA Senate Stalls Arena, New Police Hubs, and Dive Bar Rankings

Could VA senators kill the plan to move the Wizards and the Capitals? For once, Washingtonians are rooting for the NIMBYs. Michael Pope from Virginia Public Radio brings us up to speed. Plus, a safety push in Chinatown, and a debate over D.C.’s best dive bars.