Sommer Mathis

Recent Actions

• Posted Former Blade Staffers Launch 'DC Agenda' to DCist
  From the ashes of the Washington Blade, DC Agenda has risen. The staff of the suddenly shuttered LGBT publication has managed to put together a new web site and "a modest, early iteration" of a print edition, both out today, less than a week after they all lost their jobs. From their introductory message:The former staff of the Washington Blade remains united and DC Agenda represents our effort at continuing the important mission and...
• Posted D.C. Unemployment Rate Reaches 11.9 Percent to DCist
  The unemployment rate for the District of Columbia jumped to 11.9 percent in the month of October, its highest level since the current recession began, according to figures released today by the Department of Employment Services. That number marks an increase over the previous month, September, which saw an unemployment rate of 11.4 percent. The national unemployment rate for October was 10.2 percent. Today's news comes paired with an estimate that the District actually added...
• Posted Affidavit: Former Taxi Commissioner Linked to Bribery Scheme to DCist
  Photo by Samer Farha Federal authorities believe former D.C. Taxicab Commission chairman Causton Toney participated in a long-running bribery scheme while he held that position from 2005-2007, the Washington Post reports this morning. A recently unsealed affidavit lays out the FBI's suspicions against Toney, who has not been charged with any crime, but whose home was raided in October. The links between Toney and the bribery allegations stem from the same D.C. taxicab industry...
• Posted Arrest Made in Brightwood Liquor Store Slaying to DCist
  Rufina Hernandez One of two suspects sought in the Nov. 7 killing of shopkeeper Rufina Hernandez has been arrested, D.C. police announced last night. Andres Lopez, 45, of no fixed address was taken into custody without incident on Thursday afternoon near 4th and Kennedy Streets NW, only about five blocks from La Casa de Morata liquor store. Hernandez was shot and killed that Saturday night during the course of a robbery. Two suspects are...
• Posted Go Home Already: What Lies Beneath to DCist
  Photo by m hoek BREAKING now: an arrest has been made in the Nov. 7 slaying of liquor store owner Rufina Hernandez, D.C. police are saying. More on this to come after a 7:30 p.m. news conference. [WJLA/ABC7]The U.S. Postal service has declared its own War on Christmas: they are dropping the popular national program where volunteers in North Pole, Alaska open and respond to letters addressed to Santa. The decision comes amid fears...