Good morning, Washington. Today’s weather should start out sunny and beautiful, but the afternoon might bring some thunderstorms. But we’ve got it easy. Hurricane Rita continues to bear down on Texas and Louisiana, and although it now looks like Houston and Galveston will be spared from the worst of the storm, Rita’s recent change in direction could be bad news for area refineries and a still-vulnerable New Orleans.
The D.C. area is preparing for Rita as well. Maryland and Virginia have already sent rescue workers to Texas; the District is ready to receive more evacuees at the Armory; and Rita and Katrina have inspired WMATA to review its emergency procedures. DCist wishes luck to everyone with loved ones or property in Rita’s path.
Va. Task Force Recommends Tougher Sex Offender Laws: A subcommittee of the state’s Crime Commission has issued recomendations encouraging tougher rules and enforcement for the state’s registry of sex offenders. These recomendations seem likely to stir up controversy. We’ll refrain from comment, and remind readers that they can find a Google map of area sex offenders here.
Area Gas Prices Fall — Briefly: Just yesterday, the average price of gas in the D.C. region was 32 cents less than its post-Katrina height (although Washingtonians are still paying more than most of the rest of the country). We hope you enjoyed it. With Rita squarely aimed at several refineries, prices are already on the rise.
First Of Weekend’s Protests Is Today: The activist group ANSWER, along with others, has organized a march that will be taking place today beginning at 11 a.m. The route includes streets between Penn Quarter and the White House. Those travelling through the area should expect to be delayed or diverted. The Post has the full story.
Briefly Noted: Councilwoman Ambrose to retire… Mayor Williams is sick, but well enough to leave town… New Dulles control tower completed… HOT Lanes debated in Virginia… Intoxicated bus driver has previous DWIs… Congratulations! It’s a drought…
Image of the Washington Monument posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user epmd.
