The infamous Dave Thomas Circle is no more and, from its ashes, a new intersection will rise.

Why it matters: The chaotic traffic circle was hated, loved and feared by pedestrians and motorists alike — and now the city is trying to make it safer.

Flashback: In early 2021, the city used eminent domain to seize the Wendy's in the middle of the intersection where First St., New York Ave., and Florida Ave. NE meet, which Washingtonians unofficially dubbed Dave Thomas Circle after the fast food chain founder.

• That same year, the city released its plans for a reimagined intersection.

Driving the news: On Wednesday, crews started the demolition of the Wendy's to make way for the new $41 million intersection's construction, slated for later this month.

Details: According to District officials, the new intersection will:

• Realign and add two-way traffic to First St. NE.
• Restore two-way traffic on Florida Ave. NE.
• Include protected bicycle lanes and three new public park spaces.

The public park spaces, which are being designed by a landscape architect firm, will be in front of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in the space where the Wendy's formerly was, and in front of the People's Building.

What we're watching: The circle is in need of a new name.

• More than 1,200 community members sent in ideas to the NoMa BID's naming contest this spring.

D.C. has narrowed down the list to five finalists.

• Douglass Crossing, after abolitionist and D.C. resident Frederick Douglass;
• Mamie "Peanut" Johnson Plaza, after the first woman to ever pitch in the Negro League and who lived in Northeast D.C.
• The People's Plaza after the former warehouse of Peoples Drug along First St. and Florida Ave. NE, which was a predecessor to CVS.
• Three Stars Plaza, after the three stars on the D.C. flag and the three parks in the new space;
• And Tiber Gateway, to represent the Tiber Creek that ran near First St. NE and now runs underground.

What's ahead: D.C. residents can vote on the names online or by calling 202-289-0111 until August 25 at midnight.

• Intersection construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Green Line service will pause between Fort Totten and Greenbelt tomorrow through Sept. 4 for network tech upgrades.

• The Greenbelt, College Park-U of Md, Hyattsville Crossing, and West Hyattsville stations are closing.

Between the lines: Metro says it is installing fiber-optic cables to improve rail tech.

Be smart: Free shuttle bus service will run between Fort Totten and Greenbelt.

Giant panda Mei Xiang is celebrating her 25th birthday at the National Zoo on Saturday.

Why it matters: "Bearthdays" are huge at the zoo — we're talking presents, cake; complete panda-monium.

What's happening: The public is invited to mama bear's habitat on the Asian Trail at 9am for birthday fun — or tune in via Pandacam.

• The zoo's commissary team makes elaborate "fruitsicle" cakes for birthday bears — an icy treat fashioned from water, juice, and fresh produce including sweet potatoes and grapes. Healthy!

The intrigue: Hubby Tian Tian was given silver boxes filled with toys and treats for his 25th, so we're excited to see what this panda party will bring.

What we're watching: The zoo's unbearably cute video on how to make fruitsicle cakes.

• Inspired? The zoo shared a human-friendly recipe to make your own fruitsicle! (Just don't try the lion's bloodsicles at home).

What's next: More bearthdays! Xiao Qi Ji (Aug. 21) and Tian Tian (Aug. 27) — their last in D.C. before returning to China.

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One person was killed and five others injured after a driver hit multiple people at Georgetown University Hospital's parking garage, D.C. responders and hospital officials said. (Washington Post)

✈️ Attempts to add more flights at Reagan National Airport were defeated in the U.S. House, handing the region's delegation a victory in a fierce lobbying battle. The issue is still before the Senate. (DCist)

🍔 To attract more than 'A McDonald's on every corner,' Prince George's County approved incentives to lure restaurants with healthier menus. (DCist)

📅 Check out what's going on this weekend.

Colombian Festival at The Catholic University of America University Garage on July 23:

• The Colombian Festival brings a unique experience that promotes Colombian culture, art, gastronomy, music, folklore, and much more!

"The Lion King" at Kennedy Center Oprea House now through July 29:

• Washington, D.C.'s best-loved musical returns to the Kennedy Center. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.
• Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. "The Lion King" also features some of Broadway's most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like "The Lion King."

👋🏻 Hi, it's Chelsea!

After launching the Axios D.C. newsletter in September 2021, I'm saying goodbye. Sunday's edition will be my last.

Flashback: Since becoming an inaugural member of the team, I have:

• Reported on how D.C.'s homeless population is aging.
• Helped make sense of lapses in COVID-19 data reporting and explained how our poop can predict the next pandemic.
• Dabbled in Barbiemania.
• Visited some of the coolest Smithsonian installations in town.
• Become our unofficial music correspondent.
• And, of course, had a chance to hear from and meet our readers on a nearly daily basis!

💖 The bottom line: It's been an honor to bring to life my love for D.C. through this newsletter, and I'm sad to leave. Thank you so much to our readers for everything!

• And rest assured: The newsletter is in very good hands.

✨ What's next: I'm pursuing another reporting opportunity, but I'll still be in D.C.

• Please stay in touch via Twitter or (maybe?) Threads for all the local angles, pop culture chatter, and more.