Don’t get used to those decreasing gas prices just yet — Hurricane Rita’s tear through the Gulf of Mexico and into Texas may well set off another round of jumps that may put Hurricane Katrina’s $3 a gallon to shame. News reports find that Rita — which has already forced refineries in the Galveston, Texas area to shut down — could push gas prices beyond the $5 mark nationally, meaning that the District, one of the most expensive gas markets in the country, may see even more dramatic rises. And given the additional crowding on Metro that current gas prices have caused, DCist can only think that now is probably a good time to invest in good running shoes, rollerblades, or a bicycle.

Ladner Spending Itemized: American University president Benjamin Ladner lived a good life, full of pan-seared foie gras, BeauSoleil oyster, sabayon and caviar, and white truffle risotto, among other perks, reports the Post. Ladner — currently on administrative leave pending the completion of an investigation into some $500,000 of university funds spent on social events and personal matters — spent $22,345 on a trip to Nigeria, allowed his wife a $5,000 garden club party, dropped $44,000 on alcohol, incurred $54,000 in drivers’ costs, and granted his personal chef raises averaging 11 percent over five years. The investigation was ordered by the Board of Trustees and was conducted by an independent auditing firm.

City Council Supports Smoking Ban: We hear them now — the pro-smoking advocates are coming running. The Examiner is reporting that a majority of the members of the D.C. City Council are behind some version of a smoking ban in the city’s restaurants and bars, setting the stage for a possible legislative victory for anti-smoking activists this year. Mayoral candidates Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5) and Linda Cropp (D-At Large) recently announced their support for the bill, citing health reasons and the experiences of Montgomery County and New York City, two of an increasing number of cities and counties that have imposed smoking bans in recent years.

Two Men Sought in Northwest Killing: Though not officially called suspects, police in the District are searching for two young men in connection to the killing of Gregory Shipe in Mt. Pleasant last Saturday night, writes WTOP. The men are described as black juveniles.

Briefly Noted: Cindy Sheehan arrives in the District … Mayoral hopeful Vincent Orange pumps gas … PG County school bus driver arrested for drinking on the job … Butterstick to be displayed in November … Search for missing VCU student continues.

Picture above snapped by a nameless yeast.