Good morning, Washington. Some news for this beautiful Saturday:
>> That no one was killed in yesterday’s fiery F/A18D crash in a Virginia Beach residential complex is still amazing, isn’t it? According to WTOP, the pilots may certainly deserve some credit for making the best of an awful situation—as the plane they were flying suffered engine malfunction, they managed to dump its fuel before it crashed, avoiding what could have been a much more destructive fire on the ground.
>> Yes, there are probably more tourists than usual visiting Washington this week, writes WJLA. The National Museum of American History saw 23,000 visitors in one day, and on Wednesday the National Zoo had to be closed because it got too crowded. And yes, tourists can get in the way and otherwise annoy even the friendliest of locals, but don’t forget that they pump millions of dollars into the local economy.
>> If you live in Virginia, pay attention! According to WAMU, it’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, when motorists from across the commonwealth are encouraged to put away those cell phones and pay attention to the roadway in front of them. D.C. police have continued their own campaign to crack down on distracted driving: yesterday it tweeted at motorists to “Shut the cell up.”
>> Stuff to do today: If you’re short on ideas on what to to on this Saturday, head to the National Mall at 10 a.m. for Cherry Blossom Yoga (15th Street and Independence Avenue SW) and stick around for International Pillow Fight Day at 1:30 p.m. near the Smithsonian Castle. Our full Weekend Picks are here.
Martin Austermuhle