Of all the city government's agencies and departments, it's usually the big names that get the lions share of criticism from residents. The schools, the DMV, the public libraries, the Department of Public Works -- it's these that we're all quick to point to as proof of government incompetence. But with the fire that destroyed an entire building in Adams Morgan on Monday, it was the Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) that came under fire... more ›

Today tens of thousands of District children return to school, leaving behind the late-morning starts, extended curfews and breaks at the public swimming pool that summer afforded them. And though the year will proceed as it usually does, they will be part of a school system that has seen drastic changes over the last few months. Now under mayoral control and led by new chancellor Michelle Rhee, the District's public schools have entered a new... more ›

Good morning, Washington. After such a long, hot week, that was some beautiful weekend, wasn't it? And apparently, the beauty of the weekend is spilling out on to Monday morning: Karl Rove, President Bush's controversial deputy chief of staff and senior political adviser, will resign at the end of August. After he packs up his Palisades home and heads back to the Texas Hill Country, Rove will reportedly leave politics and plans to write... more ›

When Thomas P. Jacobus, general manager of the aqueduct that provides water to the District, Arlington and Falls Church commented to the Post today, "Perhaps sometimes we don't do the best job we could of communicating," he summed up in a few words the main problem that has plagued the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority -- which delivers water from the Washington Aqueduct to customers -- over the last few years. And while it remains... more ›

>> CNN White House Correspondent Ed Henry spotted Dave Chappelle hanging out outside the White House this morning. He's reportedly feeling good despite his recent hospital visit, and joked about going after Tony Snow's job. [CNN Political Ticker] >> The former mayor of the town of Dumfries, VA has been charged with running a brothel out of a sports therapy clinic he owns in a Prince William County strip mall. Melvin Bray lost his... more ›

Good morning, D.C. It was an eventful weekend across the District, with big to-do's tying up traffic in every direction. We hope you didn't spend too much time stuck in it. While we're genuinely thrilled to hear that Oprah Winfrey's commencement speech at Howard University was a big hit and was reported on all over the world, we're pretty disappointed to have it be Monday morning and still have zero reports from any of our... more ›

Yesterday the WashTimes ran a story on a bill being introduced by D.C. Council member Jim Graham that would give budgetary oversight of the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority to the D.C. CEO CFO, Natwar Gandhi. This morning, the WaPo follows up with a story comparing the bill to Fenty's school takeover plan -- essentially the WASA board, much like the D.C. school board, would become mere advisors to their own budget process, while Gandhi's... more ›

Upon hearing about a water main break near Florida Ave. and Euclid St., NW, this afternoon, it was hard not to wonder how the break would impact water pressure should firefighters need to douse a blaze. As we mentioned earlier, there are more details emerging about the impact broken hydrants had on Monday's fire at the Georgetown Public Library. Fire officials are complaining that they were forced to try three hydrants near the library before finding one that worked. The first didn't work and all, and the second had very low pressure due to a water main break in the area. more ›

The D.C. Water and Sewer Authority is getting ready to raise rates, a move which could cost the average resident $100 more per year. The hike wouldn't take hold until next year, but officials say they plan an additional 8.5% increase in 2009 followed by 9.5% increases in both 2010 and 2011. WASA plans a public hearing on the move, but, of course, neither the D.C. Council nor customers have any say on the issue. more ›

Good morning, Washington. We don't know about you, but we had an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. With low humidity and shortening days, we can definitely feel fall on the way. Today, however, summer will linger on with highs in the upper 80s. DCist reader Ran Borgersen sent us the above photo in response to our post last week with photos of Borf tags in Rome. Borgerson writes: "I saw this BORF on tag near the Seine when I was in Paris in June ... That is the Eiffel tower in background." more ›

Serene, isn't it? The picture at right, snapped by adrummer boy and posted to DCist photos, reminds us of how scenic dusk along the Potomac River can be. Of course, such scenic serenity can only do so much in helping one forget that today is officially the day of heat-related death -- the peak heat index is set to hit 105, air quality is ranked at orange, and the UV alert is "above normal." It's not the day for a picnic, it's not a day for a bike ride, much less it is a day to try and walk the Mall end to end. Find air-conditioning and stay inside, that's the mission. more ›

But authorities are still suggesting that residents should filter tap water. more ›

Hi, I'm curious about Ft. Reno, specifically the building sitting on top of the hill. I know that's not the original fort, thanks to the NPS sign on Nebraska Ave as well as their website. All I know is that the site is always guarded and secure. So, what goes on in there? Would you believe us if we told you it was a super-secret black ops division of the CIA? No? At 429 feet... more ›