The Associated Press has the early word on scheduling for President Gerald Ford's state funeral and public viewing, though they have yet to be approved by the Ford family and therefore are not final. Officials were preparing tentative plans for President Gerald Ford's body to lie in state this weekend and expected a funeral service after New Year's at National Cathedral capping days of mourning in the capital. U.S. Capitol Police officers said they were... more ›

Good morning, Washington. As you may have heard, former President Gerald Ford passed away yesterday. The Post has all of the currently available details, as well as the detailed obituary you would expect. Moussaoui Barriers To Remain In Alexandria: The Post reports on a story near of particular interest to us. Alexandria resident Jim Savage has been trying to get rid of the allegedly-temporary security barriers that were placed around the town's courthouse for the trial of Zacarias Moussaoui. Now that the trial has concluded, the barriers should presumably be removed. Perhaps unsurprisingly, officials disagree, and they now say that the barriers will be replaced with permanent versions. We suppose it's best to let the experts make the call, but we still can't help despairing at the idea of D.C. and its suburbs being permanently disfigured by the last half-decade's (admittedly understandable) invasion of jersey barriers, bollards and poorly-placed planters. Introducing The Singing Cabbie: NBC4 warns us to keep an eye out for Diamond Cab number 555. Manned by Ricky Celdran, passengers in the taxi are treated to performances of songs from the driver's repertoire of about thirty tunes. We can't tell if this would be fantastic or horrifying. Has anybody run into Mr. Celdran? Fatal End To Standoff With Reservist: The standoff between Maryland police and an army reservist has ended tragically, according to the Post. James Emerick Dean had barricaded himself in his father's house after receiving news that he would be headed to Iraq. The authorities were called, the situation escalated, and Dean was ultimately shot by a sheriff's deputy. Briefly Noted: Fundraising going well for Fenty's inaugural party... Virginia DNA review project not going so well... Man rescued in Rock Creek Park... Seriously, don't thaw pipes with a blowtorch... New condos planned for top floor of building housing soup kitchen... No blue laws on New Year's Eve, either... This Day In DCist: One year ago we reviewed Wicked and celebrating some Washington sports victories.. Two years ago we brought news of Wegmans and covered an MMORPG with a local connection. Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user christaki more ›