At DCist, we've never been one to get in on the traditional April Fools' Day hijinx. But that doesn't mean we won't highlight the notable efforts of local publications when we see them -- and this year, oy, is there ever plenty of material for media outlets to work with. The Hatchet, the student newspaper of George Washington University, decided to get an head start by running this April Fools' story, claiming that G.W. would be renamed in honor of "District Overlord Vinny Grey." more ›

When posters appeared on the GW campus early last month bearing the message, "Hate Muslims? So Do We!", some people laughed, others got offended, and the university got a ton of media coverage unrelated to its exorbitant tuition. Today the GW Hatchet reports that the students responsible for the posters have each received a $25 fine and probation. As you all may recall, the posters were part of a campaign to mock Islamo-Facism Awareness Week,... more ›

In the department of that sounds completely and utterly effed up, via Feministing, a 19 year-old woman who attends Howard University is suing the District, Howard University Hospital and GW Hospital after being denied treatment on the night of and morning after her rape because she "appeared intoxicated." The GW Hatchet reports that the woman says that during an off-campus party near Howard in December 2006, the plaintiff was given a date-rape drug that rendered... more ›

Take a look at the poster on the right. Does it strike you as patently offensive, or does the preponderance of exclamation points tell you it's certainly satire? That's what students at George Washington University are arguing about today, as the posters, hung up around campus overnight, have caused quite an uproar. The GW Hatchet has the story, which has since been picked up by the AP and the Post. The posters falsely advertise "Islamo-Fascism... more ›

>> Sen. John McCain probably wishes he didn't sing "bomb Iran" to the tune of the Beach Boy's "Barbara Ann" at a meeting with supporters. Or at least he wishes it wasn't captured on YouTube. [via Reason's Hit & Run] >> Local groups continue to schedule memorials to the victims of Monday's shootings at Virginia Tech. You can find a good list of Washington-area events here. [NBC4] >> Tickets for both Wilco and the... more ›

>> While the Post spends precious column inches on the risk of infectious disease in our produce, some GW microbiology students have dedicated their study to a more harrowing bacterial risk: those slimy, salmonella-ridden beer pong balls. [GW Hatchet] >> Rarely do you find hipsters and schoolmarms on the same side in a fight, but the collective force of the PTA and the retro-food lovin' Bohemians is united against the War on Cupcakes. [Washington Post]... more ›

Stephen Joel Trachtenberg has been president of the George Washington University for 19 years, raising the school's profile tremendously and turning into it the city's largest private employer. The city even named December 4th "Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Day." Holidays aside, SJT's tenure has not come without some controversy, generally stemming from Foggy Bottom residents, who complain that the university is too large and unresponsive. But come August 1, Trachtenberg won't be president anymore. Trachtenberg announced... more ›

An alert tipster sent us word of this article in the GW Hatchet, bringing news that George Washington University has settled its lawsuit with former student Jordan Nott, who was barred from the school two years ago after he attempted to receive treatment for a mental illness. Supported by the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Nott filed his claim against GWU in October of 2005. The terms of the settlement were not known when... more ›

Last Monday, the Post profiled ousted American University president Benjamin Ladner. Gina Maria Schulz, who served as "Personal Assistant to the First Lady" -- yes, Ladner's wife -- described the man as such: "He was the most ethical man I ever met." Ladner himself has this to say: "I do feel I've done what I've done with intentional integrity." How the Post's reporters didn't break out in hysterics is beyond us, given the emerging news of Ladner's intentionally lavish lifestyle. And today's news brings us more of Ladner's "intentional integrity." After having milked the university of close to $500,000, Ladner yesterday agreed to walk away from the university with a $950,000 settlement, a deferred retirement package of $1 million in life insurance and $1.75 million from retirement accounts, and $20,000 in moving costs, writes The Eagle. He and his wife even get another 90 days in their well-appointed university mansion. Some university deans and faculty are unhappy with the decision, adds WJLA. Farewell, Dr. Ladner, and please let us know where your ethically-driven intentional integrity lands you next. more ›

With a good number of Republicans in New York this week for the GOP convention and nothing of political consequence going on around D.C., there are eight days left of official Washington's summer season. After Labor Day, national politics will dominate town and the city will be abuzz with campaign chatter and election speculation. Minds will ponder how the social and professional landscape of the city could change with a Kerry presidency, a Bush second-term, a Democratic-controlled Congress, a GOP-controlled Congress. So many possibilities just waiting to be played out. In the meantime, this week, be sure to tune into Gothamist for all the latest on-the-street action in Manhattan. more ›