Good morning, Washington. You know, it didn't seem like that much of a storm. But apparently last night's brief thunder and lightning wrought more than their fair share of havoc: lightning struck a shopping center in Maryland, badly damaging it. In fact, WJLA had footage of the shopping center's laundromat last night — it had been completely obliterated. We had no idea! Still, it at least appears that the power system wasn't too badly affected:... more ›

Good morning, D.C. If you're like us (and presumably since you're reading this, you are), you love to follow local news, especially for those few stories that come up every now again that manage to combine two of the local media's favorite tropes: fear mongering and funny names. For example, just when you thought the intersex fish problem in the Potomac had drifted off into the ethereal plane of being old news, the Sierra Club... more ›

UPDATE: We've now gotten word from intrepid boy reporter Kriston Capps that the D.C. Council's Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation voted to table Bill 16-734, in a motion brought by At-Large Councilmember Carol Schwartz, which carried 3 to 2 with Marion Barry, Schwartz and surprise vote Vincent Gray against Kathy Patterson and Phil Mendelson. What does this mean for the future of Williams' library plan? Hard to say. Tabling a bill is usually a... more ›

When the new span of the Wilson Bridge was first opened, the Washington Post published an editorial asking, "What's next?" Given this area's staggering growth rate, we're all in serious trouble if another 35 years goes by without another new bridge. Yet there is no active planning for another Potomac crossing.That may be true for the Potomac, but when it comes to D.C.'s other river, plans are moving rapidly forward for reconstruction of the 11th... more ›

Today's installment of Transit on Thursday focuses on the soon-to-be-reality Riders Advisory Council, whose application process ends Monday afternoon. The council -- which will include six seats for people from each of the three jurisdictions served by Metro, two at-large seats, and a seat held by the head of Metro's Elderly and Disabled Transportation Advisory Committee -- will afford ordinary Metro riders the opportunity to offer insights and opinions on the transit agency's operations.... more ›

Today Transit on Thursday will focus on one issue -- public officials and public transit -- to allow for an exclusive interview we are finishing up for tomorrow. We caught up with Dennis Jaffe, a Sierra Club volunteer whose tireless work all but created the newly-formed Riders Advisory Council. We're picking his brain, and we'll have that on tap tomorrow. In the meantime, can anyone guess to what metro system the above picture belongs?... more ›

Good morning, Washington. Today it will be partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of rain, so be prepared. Flickr user birdcage from Missives from the Birdcage posted this photo of the Prince George's County Fair to DCist photos. We are getting excited for our first birthday party tomorrow at Stetson's - will we see you there? Cost of Living Rises in Area: Yesterday we reported and analyzed the news that affordable housing in the... more ›

This photo was taken by Brendan Hoffman. Today is supposed to be partly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers or thunderstorms this afternoon, with highs in the upper 80s. Got the back-to-work blues? Tonight you can go learn about the Peace Corps, take in the Digable Planets, get your activism on at the Sierra Club, or check out a film on Baile Funk at Provisions Library. Want your event on DCist? Load... more ›

As we reported yesterday, today there will be a disaster training exercise near the Pentagon which officials warn may "look very real." This photo was taken by Flickr user Nick S at Dupont Circle. Today will be partly cloudy with highs in the 80s and a 20 percent chance of rain in the afternoon. Sierra Club: Metro Needs $2.4 Billion: The Examiner covers an ongoing effort by the Sierra Club to build the political... more ›

Will D.C. residents soon breathe easier when it comes to indoor and outdoor air quality? Maybe. A couple of recent items suggest that we won't be "waiting to exhale" much longer. more ›

Taking a nod from Martin Luther, a group has posted on the doors of the Democratic National Committee a document they call the "November 3rd Theses," declaring "the Democratic Party is today in the hands of people who have failed to articulate a moral-intellectual vision for America and the world, and you can't win the confidence of the electorate without a vision." more ›

A certified arborist, under instructions to avoid removal if at all possible, has examined each of these trees. This first phase of DDOT's tree removal program will begin to tackle the backlog of 2,400 trees.

The Post covers today the opening of a gas station in NE that sells hydrogen fuel. Apparently, at this point the only vehicles that will use the station are six minivans used by GM to demonstrate the technology to members of Congress. Shell views the project as a "real-life demonstration" of the technology, which they hope to someday make economically viable. more ›

The newly-formed Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Riders Union has earned some publicity recently. more ›

This summer hasn't gone well for public transit in the District. Increased fares, (thankfully) short-lived tiny trains, and persistent problems on the Red Line have Metro riders talking about a union, and letter writers in the Post on Sunday griping about lax security. (See DCist: Commuting for all the fun) After all this, now seems like a good time to go stick it to the man, or at least ask some tough questions. You're in... more ›