>> Yeah, you. You need to stay late tonight to make up for the crazy amount of time you're about to have off. That's right, those of us who do not work for the Federal Government are currently glaring up a storm at those of you who do, because the word from on high is now official: President Bush has declared January 2 as the official day of mourning for President Ford, which means Federal... more ›

It was a tantalizing prospect. The news that Walter Reed Army Medical Center would close in 2011 had District residents and officials dreaming of the possible uses for the 113 acres of land located between 16th Street and Georgia Avenue in residential Northwest Washington. Getting their hands on the land was always a longshot, however, and news organizations are reporting today that the Feds have lowered the boom on the idea -- deciding instead to... more ›

Council-member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) has probably had better weeks. Monday brought revelations from the Post that he had used a political action committee he controlled to pay himself back for certain expenses, and today the Post reported that he may have been reimbursed twice for an official trip to China and Taiwan last October. While not as juicy as leaking the name of an undercover CIA agent to the press and not as gossip... more ›

Good morning, Washington. Unlike the promise made on the sign in this photo, Mayor Williams has confirmed our suspicions and formally announced that he will not seek another term. In a statement he made at the Hillcrest Rec Center, Williams said that he would be willing to advise the next mayor, but ruled out seeking any other office. Today's Post has an article discussing what Williams' tenure has meant for D.C. If you'd like... more ›

It's not everyday that you run into a marching band on the District's streets. Yesterday was one of those days, though. After attending a brief meeting in the Judiciary Square area, DCist emerged to find a high school marching band clad in yellow t-shirts bearing the slogan, "Brown for Mayor." And suddenly it all made sense -- Michael Brown, son of the late Clinton era Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, officially declared his candidacy for mayor... more ›

Well, DCist has gone and done it now. In an arbitrary post last week discussing the American Political Science Association's annual meeting in the District, former DCist food connoisseur Kanishka offered $100 to any reader who could catch Cornel West scarfing down a jumbo slice. Safe bet, right? I mean, who would have thought that Cornel West would actually scarf down, of all things, a jumbo slice? Well, one reader managed just that. Above, Cathy... more ›

She's not set to announce her candidacy until tomorrow, but D.C. Council Chair Linda Cropp is already doing her best to increase her name recognition and create anticipation for her foray into the 2006 mayoral race. more ›

Good morning, Washington. Today our thoughts are outside the beltway and with the people in the regions bracing for the wrath of Katrina, which made landfall this morning. Katrina may have been downgraded to a category four hurricane, yet it remains among the most powerful to ever hit the continental U.S. Our friends at Capital Weather have been following the storm closely and have posted a trove of commentary and insight. Our thoughts are with the people in New Orleans and other coastal communities who were unable to flee the storm. One reader wrote to us suggesting we link to the American Red Cross, an organization who we are sure is already preparing to provide assistance in the affected areas. We'll be following events closely today and encourage our readers to leave suggestions for other worthwhile charities in the comments. more ›

Adding to the already crowded roster of mayoral candidates, Michael A. Brown, a lobbyist and the son of the late Clinton-era Commerce Secretary Ron Brown, today told the Washington Times that he would formally announce his candidacy for the city's top job next month. more ›

Good morning, Washington. There's a 70 percent chance of showers today in both the morning and afternoon, so remember to bring along an umbrella. Temps will max out at the positively cool lower 80s. Aziz Gökdemir uploaded this photo of the Awakening statue to DCist photos. The huge statue can be found on Hains Point. more ›

Best Mayor in the World?: D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams has often been accused of being just a little too technocratic, a step too far removed from the concerns of the city's poorest residents. But according to World Mayor, an organization based in Britain, Williams may well be one of the world's best mayors. Chosen from an original list of 550 candidates, Williams now faces 64 competitors from around the world for the crown and bragging rights to boot. The best part? The winner is decided by popular vote -- that's right, you. Based on hometown pride, we'd like to see Williams walk away with this one, but we guess that some of the world's larger cities may have a slight advantage over us (Mexico City's Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador governs an estimated 23 million people). No word yet on a talent competition, but a swimsuit segment was ruled out long ago. more ›

The students may not be in the classroom, but District officials and activists are still working to find ways to address the problem of the city's crumbling schools. Legislation currently working its way through the City Council's Finance and Education Committee's would allow the city to borrow up to $1 billion for much-needed school repairs, an issue that has repeatedly dogged D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams and D.C. Schools Superintendent Clifford Janey and may well become... more ›

Hot off the presses, DCist has received word that the D.C. City Council will adjourn today at 12:30 p.m. to attend the introduction of the "D.C. Fairness in Representation Act of 2005," which will take place at 1 p.m. in Room 2247 of the Rayburn House Office Building. more ›