Republicans always talk of slimming down the size of the federal government, and presumptive presidential contender Mitt Romney already has some ideas as to where he'd start cutting—the Department of Housing and Urban Development. more ›

Yesterday's Ask DCist feature addressed a weird, metallic, pulsating noise that appeared to be emanating from the HUD building in Southwest Washington, and could be heard clearly as far away as Eastern Market. All signs pointed to a busted steam pipe on the HUD roof, and indeed, U.S. General Services Administration spokesperson Michael McGill has since confirmed for us that at 3:30 a.m. on Monday, GSA received a call that a valve malfunction at the HUD building was causing built up pressurized steam to escape from the steam system, resulting in the loud noise. A repair crew was dispatched to make an adjustment to the valve, and the HUD building was open for business at its regular 8 a.m. start time on Monday. more ›

Anne, who lives at 11th and Pennsylvania SE, writes in: more ›