As we mentioned this morning, tonight is the annual National Night Out event, and the Metropolitan Police Department is hosting a number of community gatherings across the city to mark the occasion, as well as raise awareness about getting neighbors involved in keeping their own streets safe. You can find a full listing of events, by police district, here, with the bigger, highlighted events, noted here. The main event is the citywide kickoff, which starts at 5 p.m. at the THEARC (1901 Mississippi Avenue SE) which will feature food, music, sports and games, crime prevention displays and other activities. But if a pre-programmed event isn't in the cards for you, you can participate by simply enjoying a beverage or a meal on your stoop this evening, keeping your porch lights on all night, and introducing yourself to a neighbor or two. more ›

It's not exactly a banner day for D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier. The Examiner takes the chief to task a bit this morning for her latest "All Hands on Deck" initiative: four people were shot in the course of an hour during the second night of the effort, which also coincided with National Night Out events, and the force is seriously short handed today as well as Wednesday and Friday to avoid spending millions on... more ›

Good morning, Washington, and welcome to a world with a new home run record. That's right: Barry Bonds hit his 756th career homer last night against our very own Washington Nationals. We're sure there are some mixed feelings among the Nats today about being immortalized in a video clip that'll likely be replayed for decades to come. Four Shot During National Night Out: Last night was the National Night Out, a crime-prevention event where citizens... more ›

The annual National Night Out is set to kick off this evening, with a host of neighborhood gatherings sponsored by the Metropolitan Police Department to choose from. The yearly event is designed to raise awareness about street crime and encourage residents to meet their neighbors by joining in on any of the planned events, or just by staying outside in their front yards or porches late in an effort to deter criminal activity. Mayor Fenty... more ›

>> Mayor Adrian Fenty has chosen Clark Ray to serve as the city’s director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Ray was previously the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services. >> D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier has called for her third summertime "All Hands on Deck" initiative for Monday and Tuesday, to coincide with Tuesday's National Night Out. The last "All Hands on Deck," when Lanier requires all MPD... more ›

So, who took place in yesterday's National Night Out? I have to admit that a combination of the heat and roundup duties kept me from joining my neighbors and local police officers in the barbeque and walk of the area that took place last night. But surely some of you participated in your own neighborhoods' Night Out events. How was it? Area Survives Heat, For Now: Today's Post covers the heatwave in the Metro section's... more ›

Happy Hot as Hell Tuesday, everyone. Yes, it's going to 100 degrees today, with a heat index up around 110. The best advice is to stay inside whenever possible during what we like to call our Heat Emergency, but if you have to be outdoors, the National Weather Service advises drinking plenty of water, planning activities outside for the morning or evening and wearing loose, light-colored clothing and a hat. It's unfortunate that the current... more ›

Good morning, Washington. Today the temperatures will be in the mid 90s. With a heat index back up over 100 this afternoon the weather services has issued a heat advisory in effect from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m., so stay cool. Looking for something to do? Ben Folds is at Wolftrap, George Washington University is showing "Finding Neverland," and the National Building Museum is screening "How to Succeed At Business Without Really Trying," in the... more ›

Tonight, Washington D.C. will celebrate its 21st "National Night Out Against Crime," at a time when Police Chief Charles Ramsey is happy to note that "crime in the District of Columbia, including our homicide rate, is down sharply." The Metropolitan Police department in conjunction with a variety of community and neighborhood groups has planned a number of events. A police press release advises

"Residents who are unable to participate in organized National Night Out activities are still encouraged to turn on exterior lights and spend some time outside on the evening of August 3, as a show of solidarity against crime and for neighborhood safety.