Graduate Speech Highlights Triumph Over Autism Stigma: Patch PM

Here are the share-worthy stories from Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia Patches to talk about tonight:

Tuscarora HS Graduate Highlights His Autism And Achievements

A graduating senior at Tuscarora High School, in a speech submitted to the office of Sen. Tim Kaine as part of the Virginia senator's "Everybody's the Graduation Speaker" video contest, says he used to think that his autism defined him. But Christian says his outlook on life changed when he saw "Rocketman," a 2019 movie based on the life of Elton John.

DC Health Rolls Out New Dashboard To Share Reopening Metrics

D.C. Department of Health rolled out a new dashboard Wednesday explaining the metrics health officials would be using to determine if the District is ready to enter the next phase of the city's reopening.

Coronavirus Course Boasts Largest Enrollment In UMW History

The University of Mary Washington is holding a series of free semiweekly lectures via Zoom on the impact of the new coronavirus, from exploring its economic impact to explaining why accurate communication is vitally important to the public. The eight-week course, called "COVID-19 in Context," has the largest enrollment in UMW history, according to university officials.

New Daily Coronavirus Cases Lowest Since Mid-April In Virginia

The 439 new cases accounted for the lowest increase since April 15, when 329 new cases were reported. The new cases are reported as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing numbers jumped by 7,492 since Tuesday. As of Wednesday, 395,972 tests (excluding antibody tests) have been completed in Virginia.

Council To Vote On Gun Ban For City Of Alexandria Property

On Tuesday, Alexandria City Council voted to schedule a public hearing and final vote to ban guns on certain city property.

Also Worth a Look

• AMC Theatres Plan Summer Reopening
• Suspect Charged In 2019 Reston Fatal Shooting: Police
• 100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Bob Shawn Dies
• Alexandria Man Wanted For Shooting Of Woman In Woodbridge: Police
• Fredericksburg Museum Hosts 'A Night of Black Stories' Series
• Stafford Man Drowns In Abel Lake: Sheriff's Office
• Manassas Sunoco Robbed By 2 Masked Men: Police
• Fairfax County Board Approves Revised Land Sale To Fairfax City
• Car Parade Scheduled For George Mason Graduates In Falls Church
• Supervisor: Community Comes Together for Equality and Justice

Across America

• NASCAR Bans Confederate Flag At All Events, Properties
• Lori Vallow Daybell's Husband Charged With Hiding Kids' Remains
• Gov. Wolf Fires Back: Closure Orders Remain In Place
• Worcester George Floyd Store A Coincidence Amid Tragedy
• Share My Meals Is Feeding Princeton While Supporting Restaurants