Some people might assume that dangerous, congested roadways are just one of those things you have to accept about city life. We disagree. Luckily, so do a lot of other people. This week, we look at two efforts to make District streets a little safer, and a little smoother. Also, we've brought back our weekly posting of anticipated Metro service disruptions over the weekend. Photo by everyskyline... more ›

As April showers wane and spring becomes summer, much of Washington looks toward the shore for respite from city life. Just a few hours (and one long bridge) separate us from Ocean City, Md., home of crabs, boardwalk fries and recently-transplanted Fractured Prune donuts. Local Ocean City businessmen, unwilling to rest on these laurels, have begun stocking the ideal summertime accessory: the flask/flip flop hybrid. WUSA told us about it last night, but the shoe... more ›

Former Editor-in-Chief Ryan Avent writes a weekly column about neighborhood and development issues. I asked in a post last week that developers not go out of their way to accomodate cars and that residents not go out of their way to drive. Reasonable propositions. Still, as a number of commenters noted, you can't suggest something along those lines and then expect Washingtonians to be heroes, throwing knapsacks over their shoulders as they head off on... more ›

The roads are clear and dry, and city life is back to normal as we stand down from the state of high meteorological alert that was Snowpacalypse '07. OK, so that's just a dream, and we're still seeing people stuck in the ice on the side of the road with alarming regularity. But, there's a thaw coming soon, and before you know it, you'll be able to stop launching yourself backwards at 25 mph just... more ›

Former Editor-in-Chief Ryan Avent begins a new weekly opinion column on neighborhood issues today. To many central city residents, the suburban enterprise can seem a quixotic one, and the suburbanite a perplexing character. Pressing ever outward, he seeks to leave behind the impedimenta of urban life, only to find that the more pristine his new surroundings, the faster and thicker does the baggage of congestion gather around him. Almost immediately he finds that his new... more ›

Got something to say, D.C.? Well, Opinionist is listening. That is, we're listening as long as your opinion is on the short side and somewhat interesting to read. Also, it doesn't hurt to be funny. After a brief hiatus (we were busy catching up on the new fall TV season) Opinionist back. DCist is currently accepting submissions for our Sunday Op/Ed section. We encourage thoughtful, critical, constructive and articulate first person op-eds about almost anything... more ›

Ouch. For anyone who recently moved into one of the many apartment buildings rising along Massachusetts Avenue between Mt. Vernon Square and Chinatown and read the Post yesterday, it may have been a bit of a shock to find the city's newspaper of record heaping criticism on the developments. In an article gracing the front page of the Style section and titled "The Mediocre Mile," Post writer Philip Kennicott left little debate over what he... more ›

Speak up, D.C. We know you have a lot to say, so say it here. DCist is accepting submissions for our Op/Ed section, Opinionist, which runs on Sundays. Send us your thoughtful, critical, constructive and articulate first person op-eds about almost anything and everything having to do with life in D.C. and its environs. Observations about city life, politics (local, national and international), arts, culture, food, music, metro, sports, et cetera are all valid provided... more ›

Why so shy, D.C.? We've had our say, and now it's your turn. DCist is accepting submissions for our Op/Ed section, Opinionist, which runs on Sundays. We encourage thoughtful, critical, constructive and articulate first person op-eds about almost anything and everything having to do with life in D.C. and its environs. Observations about city life, politics (local, national and international), arts, culture, food, music, metro, sports, et cetera are all valid provided they express your... more ›

Franklin Foer, a longtime writer for The New Republic, was recently named editor of the venerable political magazine. A fourth generation Washingtonian, he's authored a book called, "How Soccer Explains the World," (which we heartily recommend), and his writing has appeared in a host of publications, from The New York Times to Spin. Mr. Foer was good enough to take a few of our questions, on blogging, city life, and those cursed Chelski footballers. What's... more ›

We'll blame it on the weather. Opinionist is taking the day off from airing our gripes and concerns about D.C. and enjoying this early taste of spring. It's just so darn nice outside that we can't be bothered to blog about the city's parking problems or Metro Access woes. At any rate, don't let us stop you if you've got something to say. DCist is accepting submissions for Opinion pieces. We encourage thoughtful, critical, constructive... more ›

Do you ever feel like you're being watched as you walk around the city? Chances are that you are. Beyond the many security cameras that dot the city's urban landscape, the Metropolitan Police Department employs 19 Closed Circuit Television cameras (known as CCTV) to monitor traffic-heavy or sensitive areas: The Metropolitan Police Department uses its CCTV system to support public safety operations in the nation's capital during major events, emergencies, or times of heightened alert... more ›

Judging from the comments you leave us, loyal readers, you've got plenty to say. So say it here. This past Sunday, we launched Opinionist, our version of an Op/Ed section that gives our contributors and now you, the reader, a chance to express your opinions about the issues affecting your life. We encourage thoughtful, critical, constructive and articulate first person op-eds about almost anything and everything having to do with life in DC and its... more ›

The weekend is here, the weather is looking to be beautiful, and cameras will be employed to monitor your every move in the city. What else could you ask for? Well, for the more privacy-oriented among us, the recent announcement that the Metropolitan Police Department will be using an advanced network of video cameras city-wide to monitor this weekend's protests against the World Bank and IMF could seem just a little more than Big Brotherish,... more ›