In the rush of dramatic D.C. school news last week—a beloved principal's murder, a disputed $34 million surplus—a bit of good news was lost in the shuffle. In a surprise ceremony last Thursday morning, seven D.C. high school seniors were awarded Gates Millennium Scholarships. more ›

In a major vote of confidence for the planned Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation announced that it is donating $10 million to the museum. The Gates money will go toward the museum's capital campaign for design and construction of its building along the National Mall. The total cost of the museum is said to be about $500 million, with half that amount coming from Congress and the rest to be raised by the museum. Groundbreaking for the 300,000-square-foot building is slated for 2012. more ›

It's going to be 73 degrees today Washington, and we can hardly think straight for the giddyness associated with the possibility that it's time to put our winter coats away. But don't worry, we're not too drunk with sunshine to forget that Sweet 16 action in the NCAA mens basketball tournament starts today -- so don't forget to check in on your standings in the DCist pool. The only problem of course being the... more ›