Good morning, Washington. Today will be another beautiful day – mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 80s. Believe it or not, today is our first birthday. Yes, it was one year ago today when DCist officially launched. To celebrate, we’ve planned a little birthday party next week. Before then, however, is a Katrina Benefit Concert we’re sponsoring at American University this Friday featuring local acts Gist, Cartel, Paul Michel, RPM, Laura Burhenn and Army of Me. We hope to see you at both events!
Evacuees Arrive at Armory: A group of 295 hurricane Katrina evacuees has arrived at the D.C. Armory yesterday, after being airlifted from New Orleans, the Post reports. The survivors told the newspaper they did not know they were coming to Washington until already in flight and a handful insisted on being returned to the airport to travel elsewhere. The Red Cross is providing medical assistance as well as help finding employment and enrolling children in school. The airlift occurred after the buses sent to New Orleans returned empty, apparently due to poor planning. Meanwhile, Virginia awaits as many as 3,000 evacuees, and officials in Prince George’s County are also making plans to host evacuees.
Rehnquist Funeral Today: Chief Justice William Rehnquist’s private funeral service is scheduled for today at St. Matthews Cathedral, NBC4 reports. His body will remain in Great Hall of the Supreme Court for the public to pay its respects from 10:00 a.m. until noon today before being moved to the Cathedral, and then to Arlington Cemetery where he will be buried. Rhode Island Avenue and M Street will be closed today between 17th Street and Connecticut Avenue from 12:30 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Briefly Noted: Hurricane Evacuee slashes his wrist on flight en route to Washington … George Mason announces plans to build a new campus in Loudoun county …
The photo of a tollbooth was taken by a photoblogger named Ohad.
