DCist can finally claim it has reached a journalistic zenith — in a first, we received a tip from a well-placed source that D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams is set to make an announcement today concerning his political future. While we tried to tease more info out of our source — is Williams running for re-election, or is he stepping aside? — the most we can say is that today is the day that will decide the future of the two-term pol and the three candidates seeking to take his place. According to the Post, who also picked up the story, Williams is set to announce at noon at the Hillcrest Recreation Center in Southeast. WTOP already jumped on the news — they claim Williams won’t run again. We’re betting the same.

Williams Lays Out Legislative Priorities: Not one to be a lame duck — should he not run again — Williams yesterday laid out his ten priorities for the coming legislative session. Topping his list is the National Capital Medical Center, the controversial new $400 million hospital set to be built south of RFK Stadium, followed closely by legislation strengthening penalties for certain crimes and the construction of the Nationals’ new ballpark.

Panda Cub Voting Close to Ending: We tried. We thought Butterstick was an appropriate name for the District’s newest panda cub, but the China Wildlife Conservation Association clearly thought otherwise. That being the case, you have until tomorrow to vote on one of five pre-approved names for the cub, which is set to be named on October 17, notes the Post. So far, 180,000 people have voted on the National Zoo’s website.

Washington’s Whiskey?: Founding father. War hero. Distiller? It seems so, according to the Washington Times. George Washington, among his other pursuits, built a successful distillery on his Mt. Vernon estate, selling over 11,000 gallons of his rye whiskey and netting some $300,000 in two years. Now that distillery will be re-opened, slated for a 2007 re-introduction to the lucrative booze market.

Tysons Corner Expanding: As if the mammoth Tysons Corner mall weren’t big enough, a new wing containing five restaurants, a 16-screen movie theater, and 24 stores is set to open tomorrow, reports WTOP. The new addition — which is estimated to add 1,000 jobs and $150 million in yearly business — also comes with 1,600 new parking spots, raising fears of more traffic in the already traffic-heavy area.

Briefly Noted: American University students call for Benjamin Ladner’s resignation … Hotel robberies suspect detained … Baltimore mayor launches run for Maryland governor … D.C. sex offender law revised … Homicide investigation shuts down Route 1 in Crystal City.

Picture above snapped by Justin DC.