Former Editor-in-Chief Ryan Avent writes a weekly column about neighborhood and development issues. The Washington Highlands neighborhood of the District of Columbia is terra incognita for many Washingtonians. Tucked up against the District’s southeastern border with Maryland’s Prince George’s County, the area is walled off from the rest of the city by Oxon Run Park, the Anacostia Freeway, Bolling Air Force Base, and the Anacostia River, not to mention the yawning gap between its economic... 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 ›

It looks like August might be a busy month in D.C. baseball, though not necessarily on the field. more ›