Good news for software geeks, transit nerds, and anybody who rides public transit and owns a computer: Metro is serious about opening its data.

Photo by Aaron Webb Good morning, Washington. It’s not too early to start making plans for the Fourth of July, of course, but we know that some of you tend to wait until the last minute to throw together a party. Well, the D.C. Council is here to help ensure that that even the worst procrastinators among you will be able to celebrate your freedom not only from British meddling, but also from sobriety:…

Photo by mudflapDC Good morning, Washington. So! That Strasburg guy seems like he can pitch, huh? The Nats’ newest starter had an impressive debut last night, striking out a franchise-high 14 batters. Still, reports from the ballpark of miraculous healings and appearances of the blessed virgin in peanut shells are curiously sparse this morning, raising questions about whether Strasburg will ultimately live up to to expectations. Metro Memorial Plans Draw Criticism: The Post stirs…

Photo by philliefan99 Good morning, Washington. So, we’re going to have streetcars still, I think? Yesterday’s council session was an exciting one by any measure, containing the removal and restoration of streetcar funds, the proposal and defeat of tax hikes for the wealthy, and a commuter tax that’s sure to attract congressional attention. Here’s hoping that today’s handful of committee meetings aren’t quite as dramatic. Metro Board to Vote on Fare Hikes Today: In…

Photo by fdmount Good morning, Washington. The trial for obstruction of justice in the Robert Wone murder case has begun, and there are already confusing details to grapple with. Yesterday’s courtroom developments included the playing of the 911 call that was made on the night of the murder — a call which included the voice of one of the defendants. Judge for yourself, but the details seem to exemplify the sort of confusing ambiguity…

Photo by (afm) Good morning, Washington. At the end of yesterday we briefly mentioned that jury selection in the Robert Wone conspiracy case will begin today. The Post has decided to use the occasion to run a story outlining what is known about Wone’s murder — and about the prospects for identifying and prosecuting his murderer. If you’ve found yourself lost by the twists and obscurities that seem to plague this case, it’s worth…

Photo by Hooman Kowkabi Good morning, Washington. I should be upfront with you: today’s news is mostly about horrible, depressing murders (also, the oil spill has started washing up on land). So let’s find some good news before we get down to the awfulness! Um… hmm. Bret Michaels is out of the hospital? Does that count? Betts Murder Coverage Continues: Local reporters continue to work out the details of the murder of Garnet-Patterson principal…

Photo by bencarrdus Good morning, Washington. “The precious liquid is panda urine” — this and other gems can be found in today’s state of the panda pregnancy Post story. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like the news is good. Mei Xiang’s keepers have been monitoring her hormone levels, and it looks like they’re getting back to normal — a signal that either a birth is imminent, or that she’s passing through the final stages of…

Photo by andertho Good morning, Washington. Today brings news in the seemingly never-ending (and consistently entertaining) saga of Sinclair Skinner, first frat-brother to the Fenty administration. The Examiner is reporting that Peter Nickles, city AG and longtime associate of Mayor Fenty, delayed the addition of Skinner to the list of contractors excluded from doing business with the city. This delay gave Skinner time to respond and further draw the process out. Nickles says that…

Photo by akramer16 Good morning, Washington. All it takes is some compelling web video: our sleepy local police brutality scandal is quickly becoming a national story. The latest news: the FBI is entering the fray, opening a probe into the incident. As the Post notes, this investigation comes just one year after the end of a five-year period of federal oversight for the department. Worse still, WJLA reports that some prospective UMD students are…