The 63-year-old GenOn, a coal-fired power plant in Alexandria, permanently shuts down. “What happens next, after 12 to 18 months of deactivation and cleanup, may test the patience of Alexandria residents eager to see something new on the 25-acre waterfront site.” [The Post]

Hundreds of volunteers helped renovate the Congress Heights Recreation Center in Southeast D.C. “The last time Congress Heights Recreation Center got this kind of attention was back in 1998.” [WJLA]

Giant Food recalls crackers due to possible salmonella contamination. “The grocery store is recalling the following versions of Late July Organic Snacks mini peanut butter sandwich crackers with sell-by dates May 19, 2013 to July 11, 2013…[click link]” [WTOP]

A father and son died in a plane crash in Spotsylvania Co. in Virginia. “Virginia State Police say that 48-year-old John Morton Jr and his son Kyle, both of Stafford, were killed in the crash of the Cessna 150M single-engine plane.” [NBC4]

Pilots rescue dogs from high kill shelters in North Carolina. “More than one hundred dogs were brought to Northern Virginia where several organizations have agreed to place the dogs in foster homes and shelters with no-kill pledges until the animals are adopted.” [WUSA]

>> Several new Maryland laws will take effect on Monday.