Good morning, Washington. Today’s looking to be rainy, according to our friends at Capital Weather. But beyond watching for rain, you should be aware of the air quality forecast for the region, as our lead story makes clear.

The picture at left is of the lower level of the stands at (Insert Name Here) Field at RFK Stadium, via dcJohn.

D.C. Air Gets Failing Grade: In its annual State of the Air report, the American Lung Association found that close to 8 million residents of the D.C. metropolitan area breathe in high levels of pollution, reports WTOP. Among the casualties of the area’s poor air quality are 168,000 children and 470,000 that suffer from asthma. The report found that half the nation still suffers from bad air, partly due to a lack of Congressional control over corporate polluters.

News in Arson: In two arson-related developments, the Post is reporting that a Maryland man pled guilty to conspiracy in setting the fires that ravaged the Hunters Brook community in Charles County, Md. late last year, while Thomas Sweatt, the serial arsonist accused of starting more than 40 blazes over two years, admitted to starting a fire that killed an 86 year-old woman in 2003, notes WTOP.

Mercury Testing Now the Norm: Back in the day, fire drills were normal. For D.C. students, reports WTOP, mercury drills and testing are fast becoming the norm. Students at the Paul Public Charter School in Northwest were evacuated yesterday morning and tested by hazmat crews in a drill meant to respond to recurring mercury spills that have occured in city schools.

Briefly Noted: District officials have announced they are going to reconsider the parking restrictions around RFK which have so far produced 1,900 tickets, most on cars of local residents … George Washington University is considering an amnesty policy for students who require medical attention for excessive alcohol consumption … City Paper joins in 2006 mayoral race speculation, much like DCist did on Wednesday.