This picture, uploaded to DCist Photos by photogene, is of the statue of Dante in Meridian Hill Park. Sadly, the subject’s signature work makes it appropriate to this morning’s news: the situation in New Orleans is still awful. In response, the relief efforts from the D.C. area are growing. A few examples: yesterday about 300 newly homeless veterans were welcomed to the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Northwest; Governor Warner has declared a limited state of emergency in order to begin mobilizing resources toward relief efforts; area schools are welcoming displaced students; the D.C. Armory has been offered as a shelter for refugees; and National Park Service employees are heading to New Orleans to preserve the city’s historical artifacts. On the off chance that you’re having a hard time finding a place to donate, Instapundit has an exhaustive list. And before you make a contribution, don’t forget to ask if your employer has established a matching funds program.

Fuel Situation In Flux: Katrina’s aftereffects continue to drive up area gas prices. The long-term effect of the storm on energy prices remains to be seen, but the short-term situation doesn’t appear to be too dire. Admittedly, District cabdrivers are feeling extra pressure due to the taxicab gas surcharge having just expired. But Dulles and National have two weeks of jet fuel in reserve, and the pipelines affected by the storm seem to be recovering quickly. A number of refineries were hit, though; who know how long the relatively good energy news will last?

Virginia Enacts Anti-Meth Policies: Governor Mark Warner has taken a preemptive strike against the wave of methamphetamine abuse that experts have been expecting to inevitably sweep eastward. Starting next month it’ll become a little harder to buy some types of allergy and cold medications in Virginia — they’ll be moved behind the counter, and in order to make a purchase you’ll have to show ID and perhaps fill out some paperwork. Despite the inconvenience, it’s nice to see Virginia taking an aggressive stance against the drug — particularly seeing as two D.C. cops have just been placed under investigation for drug trafficking in Miami.

BWI Officially Renamed: The airport will now be known as Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. It just rolls off the tongue, doesn’t it? The extra-long appellation was a compromise reached after Maryland Comptroller William Schaefer voiced last-minute objections to the initial proposal honoring Marshall. The name change is expected to cost Maryland $2.1 million.

Briefly Noted: Teachers union officials convicted… Red Line maintenance scheduled for this weekend… D.C.’s recent ambulance shortage is ending… Large area car dealership accused of discrimination…