In an interesting article highlighting the power of blogs and internet forums in promoting democratic discourse, the Examiner today reports on a heated debate that has developed on D.C. Watch’s bi-weekly online newsletter concerning a new $400 million, 250-bed hospital being planned for Southeast. Gary Imhoff, longtime city activist and the newsletter’s publisher, recognized the importance of new forums in allowing residents access to large audiences, stating, “There are few places where someone who doesn’t own a printing press can really get his or her opinion out citywide.” We’d like to think we offer readers the same soapbox, whether on issues as serious as the budget surplus and smoke-free bars or as mundane as cupcakes and gentrified bars.

Residents Oppose Park Plan: Residents of a neighborhood along New York Avenue and North Capitol Street NW expressed strong opposition yesterday to a city plan to replace a park with 98 townhouses, reports the Post. Under the plan, an existing park and playground would be used to make space for new mixed-income townhouses, one-third of which would house some 520 poor families set to be displaced by the redevelopment of the nearby Sursum Corda housing cooperative, long known for its crime and violence.

Teacher Pleads Guilty in Teen Sex Case: A 24-year-old Fairfax County pled guilty to having sex with a student ten years her junior, a felony for which she could serve 20 years in prison, reports WTOP. Dana Snyder admitted to having sex with the student at least seven times over the course of two months earlier this year, and detailed how she would pick him up at his house for their nightly romps.

Woman Attacked in Rock Creek Park: A woman on a run in Rock Creek Park yesterday was attacked by an unknown assailant, reports NBC 4. The woman told police that she was grabbed from behind, put in a chokehold, and dragged towards the forest. Her attacker fled when she started screaming.

Local Gas Prices Jump: Following a national trend, area gas prices have jumped increasingly in recent weeks, reports the Post. The average price of gas went up by 18 cents in the last week alone, reflecting an unsure world oil market that has pushed the price of oil to over $60 per barrel, and could well rise another 5 to 15 cents by Labor Day weekend. There are no big breaks on price in the area, though especially cost-conscious consumers can turn to the internet to help them pinch pennies on their next gallon.

Briefly Noted: Mother accused of drowning son to get mental evaluation … Debate over new director for D.C. jails … Langley Park, Md. reels after spate of violence.

Picture above posted to DCist Photos by IntangibleArts.