Yesterday, we reported that the laws regarding snow shoveling in the District hadn't been updated since 1922, and wondered why the city would ever sue anyone for a measly 25 bucks, when the cost involved with filing a lawsuit -- time, effort, logistics, all of it -- would certainly dwarf that sum. But we couldn't be totally sure about whether the city had ever actually done it. (Sometimes, politics can be a funny business, you know.) Well, our answer came back today -- and it wasn't shocking. According to the Civil Enforcement Section, the Office of the Attorney General "has no recollection or knowledge of such [a] suit." So, there you go: even further proof that the antiquated shoveling law, as currently written, is utterly meaningless. more ›

Anyone seen one of these recently? No? Me neither. When a neighbor emailed around asking whether anyone knew where the fire hydrant was buried, it occurred to me that I had no idea -- only my dog would think to notice that sort of thing. Someone else on our street remembered planting a tree nearby and did the good work of locating and shoveling out the fire hydrant. It seems beyond absurd to contemplate a fire in this weather, but snow has proved to be a serious impediment to emergency officials' ability to control blazes. more ›

Over 130 DCist readers say they slipped and fell on a patch of ice today. President Obama thinks this is funny. But it's no laughing matter to Davy DCist. more ›

A reader named Cali wrote in: "Any chance you could figure out what our responsibilities are as renters regarding snow removal in the District? I can't find anything and knowing my landlord he'll make something up." We'll refer any confused renters to our post on this subject from two years ago, which explains D.C. law regarding snow shoveling. It reads, "D.C. law requires residents to remove snow from sidewalks and steps within eight hours of daylight after the snow stops." The key word there is "residents." Rowhouse renters should not expect their landlord to show up with a shovel; you just have to get out there and clear the way. If you live in a big apartment building, you probably pay for a maintenance crew that will take care of this for you, but best to check with your building manager. The current forecast is calling for a second winter weather system to enter the D.C. area between 4-6 p.m. as light snow, and then change to sleet and freezing rain later tonight. Given the possibility that the freezing rain could create a hard shell of ice on top of the snow on the sidewalks, we'd recommend getting out there and taking care of business as soon as you get home from work. Put down a little salt while you're at it. more ›