Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters yesterday that he would definitely not bring the D.C. Voting Rights Act to the floor before September. This is pretty much what we've been expecting for the last week or so, but it's now officially confirmed. It's a little bit disappointing to have to continue to wait, but considering Reid also described the bill's status as being "close" to having 60 votes, which would be enough votes... more ›

Written by Vince Wadhwani When Vegetate and Queen of Sheba applied for liquor licenses in September 2005, Shiloh Baptist Church unexpectedly protested, causing both restaurants a lengthy delay which, in the case of Queen of Sheba, is still ongoing almost two years later. For Vegetate, however, the news is brighter, with legislation being passed earlier this year allowing them to serve wine, beer, and cocktails. Many restaurants may have folded up under the pressure of... more ›

It's going to be one of those days we fear, Washington. Let's just say some of us may have been up late last night watching the first Democratic presidential debate, others of us might have had a few too many while wandering the massive artDC fair opening, and overall we're getting a sluggish start this morning. Not to mention that that thunderstorm is finally here, it's Friday, and so far it's shaping up to be an awfully slow news day. So, here's a breezier-than-usual roundup. We hope you'll allow us to mainline some espresso get back to you just as soon as we can get our eyes to properly focus on our computer screens. You know how it is. That's why we love you. more ›

Alleged "D.C. Madam" Deborah Jeane Palfrey has given an exclusive interview to ABC News' Brian Ross. So, does this mean we have to actually watch 20/20? Yeah. We we guess that's what it means. Via ABC News.com: more ›

In March we reported on a lawsuit filed by the World Adult Kickball Association (WAKA) against smaller upstart DCKickball. It seemed that kickball behemoth WAKA was none-too-happy that DCKickball, founded by WAKA defector Carter Rabasa, was using the same rules of play and had allegedly called its larger competitor "the Microsoft of kickball." For both indiscretions, WAKA demanded that DCKickball shell out $356,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. more ›

Straight from an NBC 4 story: WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- Enforcement of parking restrictions for watercraft, boat trailers, motor homes and camping trailers begins Monday in eastern Prince William County, police said. In March, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted in favor of the restrictions. They went into effect immediately, but police are waiting until Monday in order to give owners of such vehicles time to comply. Officers will issue warning tickets giving the... more ›

Are the standards of Post food reviewer Tom Sietsema declining? Some local diners seem to think so. Sunday's Post Magazine saw Sietsema give three stars to Etrusco, the five-year-old Italian restaurant in Dupont Circle. The three-star rating ranks Etrusco among the best restaurants in D.C., including CityZen, Le Paradou, Cashion's Eat Place, and Palena. eGullet member "BilRus" was surprised by the rating: "A restaurant broke out of the two-star parade and we haven't picked up on it ... We're slipping." Other forum members were quick to point out the negative reader reviews of Etrusco in response to Sietsema's piece, and their own negative experiences with the restaurant:

There were two fish on the menu, rockfish and snapper, prepared three or four ways (all sounded very good). We ordered wine and an antipasti while we decided. It wasn't until the waiter came to take our order that he bothered to inform us that they were out of rockfish ... about 15 minutes later the waiter returns to tell us they are out of snapper with no real apology. We were all dumbfounded that a place praised for its grilled fish had none on a Saturday night.