Good morning, Washington. Sorry for the delay in the morning roundup this a.m. – we were too busy trying to catch Butterstick break the cuteness barrier, yet again. Also, we’re kind of rusty at this whole thing; it’s been a while. This photo was posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user rev_bri; it’s of protestors at the new day laborer center that just opened in Herndon. The Post has the story about the tensions that still simmer.
DNA clears two Va. men: The Post reports that DNA testing ordered by Virginia Governor Mark Warner has exonerated two men who had been imprisoned for rape. Neither has been identified, but the men hail from Norfolk and Alexandria, and were imprisoned for 11 and 20 years, respectively. The evidence came to light as part of a review of 31 inmates’ cases. In light of the discovery, Warner has called for a broader review.
We’ll believe it when we see it: Forecasters are calling for another winter storm today, and some schools across the region are already closing in preparation for it. Supposedly there’ll be snow and sleet this morning, transitioning into freezing rain this afternoon, though from where we’re sitting it doesn’t look like an awful lot is happening. Metro will be running increased midday service with six-car trains all day today to accommodate any businesses or school kids heading out of town early.
Metro area to take over entire U.S. An urban planner at Virginia Tech said he envisions the entire D.C. metro area one day stretching as far south as Norfolk and up to Baltimore, and urged the government and other officials to plan for better infrastructures to connect the region. He said high-speed rail travel is the best way to relieve traffic and population pressure, though the feds are showing little interest.
Briefly noted: Dropped candle ignites fire in Gaithersburg, leaving 40 people homeless…Va. governer-elect Kaine could be the one asked to deliver the Democratic rebuttal to Bush’s Jan. 14 State of the Union speech…any scary military aircraft you see flying along the Potomac today and tomorrow is just a military drill…Mayor Williams and MLB officials start hardcore lobbying for a stadium lease on South Capitol Street.
