Good morning, Washington. Today will bring a slight break in humidity, giving a preview of the weekend's promised relief from the unpleasant heat. But for some folks whose trade is naturally hot and unpleasant, today's news is not as good. Not only have D.C. firefighters recently had to deal with a possible maritime arson and mysteriously cancelled health insurance, but now one of their leaders is making unfortunate headlines. Thiry-one year veteran and assistant chief of operations James B. Martin was arrested yesterday after being caught driving a DCFD vehicle while intoxicated. At his request, he has been placed on indefinite leave.
Breaking: Londonist reports there have been several incidents in the tube network this morning. A device has exploded in a train in the Warren Street underground station, and there are other possible incidents. Developing... Back in Black: Yesterday Maryland announced that it has a $1 billion surplus, nearly $300 million more than was projected in March. Governor Ehrlich was quick to celebrate the news (and snipe at Virginia), attributing the surplus to prudent financial stewardship, and pointing out that it comes without an increase in the state's sales or income tax. Critics point out that the state's increased property tax and the area's exploding real estate values were conspicuously absent from the governor's announcement. Also noteworthy: Ehrlich's hints that some of the surplus may be used to lower taxes, and his insistence that the windfall won't alter his plans to legalize slot machine gambling.Boys Injured by Lightning: Two eleven year old boys were hurt by lightning at Camp Tockwogh, a YMCA facility on the Eastern Shore. One of the two went into cardiac arrest, but thanks to well-trained teenage staffers and a recently purchased portable defibrillator the boy was revived. Both victims transported to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. One was admitted in serious condition; the other boy's status is classified as critical.
Loudoun Votes to Restrict Growth: The Post reports that the county's board voted last night to enact curbs on development that would raise the required lot size for houses in the western part of the county from three acres to twenty to forty, depending on location. Opponents say the policy is a violation of property owners' rights; supporters pushed for the regulation as a means of controlling the county's rapid growth.
Briefly Noted: More area bases slated for closure... YADCPSCS (yet another D.C. public school chemical spill)... Metro may switch to fewer trains with more cars... Dulles baggage handler pleads guilty to stealing thousands of credit cards...
