As we are still recovering from the gluttony that was Thanksgiving, and since it was pretty slow news week in, well, everything, we are light on the transit news, too. But first, which D.C. Council Member likes to ignore laws? You get one guess and the answer is after the jump. Photo by AlbinoFlea... more ›

Former Editor-in-Chief Ryan Avent writes a weekly column about neighborhood and development issues. Brookland recently got the news that Dwellings, a home furnishings store and one of our most promising main street retailers, was closing due to slow growth in sales. The announcement touched off a neighborhood discussion on what was wrong, exactly, with the shopping environment in the leafy, residential neighborhood. Many locals noted that low residential density made running a retail business a... more ›

Written by DCist Contributor Fredo Alvarez In a 60-39 cloture vote, the U.S. Senate barely passed the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 (S 1105) today as an amendment to the FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill (HR 1585). The measure would expand protection against hate crimes to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, and would enable the Federal government to provide assistance in the investigation or prosecution of... more ›

One of our favorite things here at Transit on Thursday is bringing the good news to D.C.'s commuting faithful. This week, we've got two exciting service expansions for metro-D.C.'s bus riders that should make the commuting life that much more bearable. Also, a terribly fascinating (or fascinatingly terrible) turn of events over at the Metro Police Department. Photo by AlbinoFlea... more ›

We know, we know. Bloggers, like all journalists, are supposed to be hyper-skeptical of everything that comes across their monitors, only acquiescing after the most rock solid of facts are in. Well, forgive our optimism and idealism, but whenever we see any forward movement at the statehouse down in Richmond, we can't help but get a little giddy. This week in transit, we look at the motivating forces of partisan democracy in Virginia, the... more ›

We were a bit preoccupied by the accident on the Yellow Line yesterday, and are a day late with your weekly transit news and reviews. So here it is, all packaged in one tasty, bite-sized, morsel. This week: Could car-sharing be the Next Big Thing? Why are Fairfax County employees so scheisty? Big brother - coming to a road near you! Transit efforts renewed in Va., Md. Also, perhaps as an early present, Metro is... more ›

Today will be mostly sunny with highs in the lower 90s. This photo was taken after a thunderstorm earlier in the week and was posted to DCist Photos by Olivia. Tonight is the monthly blogger meetup. In Virginia's primary yesterday less than 4 percent of registered voters turned out, Republicans selected Jerry W. Kilgore to run against Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine for governor. Post: Smoking Ban Gaining The Post (and the Examiner)describe today... more ›

Watchout Foggy Bottom: Inspections of student off-campus housing are moving in the direction of George Washington University. The Post reports that the District is also asking students who fear that they are living in unsafe housing to let them know. Transportation News: The Post has a lot of WMATA-related news this morning. First, WMATA's police agency is looking to incorporate Eastern-style philosopical training with Aristotlean rhetorical principles into its tactics to calm down unruly passengers.... more ›

"You're missing the biggest story of the day," a vigilant reader writes us. "I just waited half an hour to early vote at the DC Board of Elections. I also voted electronically-smooth, easy and idiot proof." In D.C., voters may cast an absentee ballot in person up to 14 days before the election: You may cast an absentee ballot, in person, in our office (441 4th St., NW #250) beginning 14 days before the election.... more ›

If you have been patiently waiting for the pinnacle of fall foilage and didn't find time to steal away last weekend, now is the time. This weekend--or maybe Friday since DCist encourages escaping work for life enhancing experiences (or, ehem, crushes)--take a drive into the scenic surrounds and catch a glimpse of nature's colorful display that is autumn. The Foliage Network says leaves are at their peak right now. And lucky you! You live near one of the hot tourist areas for fall foliage viewing, Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. more ›