'The Greatest. Period.' | Weekend Read

Each weekend, Patch offers up some stories worth a read.

• Muhammad Ali, 'The Greatest,' Dead At 74

2 Pairs of Gloves Honor 'The Greatest' at The Smithsonian

Abraham Lincoln's signature hat, an actual stretch of Route 66, entire rocket ships — symbols of America's legacy that fill buildings across D.C.'s National Mall.

In 1976, the Smithsonian's American History museum acquired Muhammad Ali's boxing gloves and robe for a bicentennial exhibit.

In a building filled with iconic items signifying the best and worst moments in our history, the boxing legend reportedly commented at the donation ceremony that the gloves would become "the most famous thing in this building." >>> Read more.

Photo from Smithsonian National Museum of American History

President Obama: Muhammad Ali Was the Greatest. Period.

"If you just asked him, he’d tell you. He’d tell you he was the double greatest; that he’d 'handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder into jail.'

"But what made The Champ the greatest – what truly separated him from everyone else – is that everyone else would tell you pretty much the same thing." >>> Read more.

More on Remembering Ali:

• Muhammad Ali Surprised World at '96 Olympic Games
• 'What's Our Name?': Muhammad Ali Visit Launched Ravens' Championship Season

'Sociopath in Training' Idolized Murder Suspect

Two college freshmen at Virginia Tech accused in the disappearance and death of a 13-year-old girl looked into the camera for their mugshots. Natalie Keepers, the alleged accomplice, appeared with a stern, angry look on her face.

David Eisenhauer, the one actually accused of killing the girl over an alleged inappropriate relationship, showed no emotion. You could write almost anything on his face: concern, ambivalence, turmoil, conviction.

The pictures were taken in late January after a desperate three-day search for Nicole Madison Lovell ended with her body found just across the state line in North Carolina. In court hearings in May, testimony from the detectives who first interviewed the pair seem to offer an explanation for the differing mugshot reactions.

Keepers, 19, reportedly told police that she was the novice, the "sociopath in training," said Det. Ryan Hite of the Blacksburg Police Department. Eisenhauer was a "sociopath," Keepers reportedly told investigators. By helping Eisenhauer, Keepers said she had joined "the best club in the world." >>> Read more.

CDC: Nearly 80 Percent Of Public Pools Have Health, Safety Problems

If you're heading out to the public pool for the first time this weekend, the CDC has a few important tips to help you test the water before you get in.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 80 percent of all public pools have at least one major violation. >>> Read more.

Metro Delays Start Saturday: What Are Your Options?

If you're a frequent Metro rider, you'll want to prepare for possible delays on the Orange and Silver lines, which will begin single tracking between East Falls Church and Ballston through Thursday, June 16.

To avoid gridlock, commuters are urged to consider carpooling, vanpooling, taking the bus, biking and teleworking as often as possible during Metro’s ongoing work. >>> Read more.

More to read:

• TSA Shares Summer Travel Tips for DC-Area Residents
• ‘Happiest Places in America:’ 2 Northern VA Counties