On the day following the D.C. Council’s second and final endorsement of a smoking ban in bars and restaurants, we can expect plenty of media coverage of the public’s reaction. Are residents pleased to be smoke-free, or nervous at what consequences may lay ahead for the hospitality industry? According to a WJLA headline, which really scooped the competition, “Patrons Have Mixed Opinions On D.C. Smoking Ban.” Hell, we could have told you that. Just read the newly-anarchic comments on any of our smoking ban posts.

Barry Robbery Media Coverage Continues: Here we are, Day 3 of the Marion Barry robbery media spectacle. Today the Post features an article in which residents of Washington View apartments, where Barry lives and was robbed, expressed surprise that such an act would occur in an otherwise peaceful area. And in possibly one of the most insightful moments of the past days, the article noted the following:

“People are robbed every day in Georgetown and it doesn’t get reported,” Muhammad said yesterday after leaving a D.C. Taxicab Commission meeting on Alabama Avenue SE. He questioned whether it was prudent to devote too many resources to solving one crime when the same thing happens to so many others each year.

Post to Launch Radio Station: Yesterday proved to be a day of musical chairs for area radio stations, with Z104 losing its seat and the Washington Post gaining its own. Utah-based Bonneville International Corp., which owns Z104, WTOP, and classical music station WGMS, announced it was working with the Post to launch a new news-and-talk station, which will launch on March 30 and be located at 107.7 FM and 1500 AM. While the format for the new Post station is still being worked out, it will likely become to home for Washington Nationals games.

MLB Seeks Arbitration for Stadium Deal: MLB formally requested arbitration yesterday for the stadium lease, which remains mired in discussions in the D.C. Council, notes the Post. The city had until December 31 to approve the lease, but continued concerns with rising costs forced D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams to go back to the drawing board and find ways to pay for potential cost overruns and need infrastructure improvements. Williams stated that changes to the lease would be announced this week and finalized by mid-January.

Briefly Noted: D.C. Corrections Chief on his way … Raccoon attacks District woman … Cat Lady faces mistreatment charges … Plans for ICC move ahead … D.C. Bar objects to rule on sex with clients.

Picture snapped by EXB-WDC.