In response to allegations that existing state law banning gay marriage hasn’t gone far enough in protecting traditional marriages from corrosive homosexual influences, Virginia is now considering further defining marriage as only being between a man and a woman, reports WJLA. We thought that Virginia had made their opposition to gay marriage clear enough last year with their endorsement of “Traditional Marriage” license plates, but it’s always good to err on the side of excess.

Barry Stays Quiet on Drug Charges: A day after the Post exposed Marion Barry’s positive drug test, he’s back in the pages of the newspaper, this time not saying much about the news that could well land him in jail for 18 months. Barry, upon leaving Howard University Hospital, where he was being treated for unrelated medical ailments, did indicate he may have some fight left in him, saying, “I didn’t wish these things on me. I find it very disturbing that a person can’t have simple medical procedures without you all sensationalizing it. People suffer every day. I empathize with them.” Various leaders, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams included, expressed sympathy for Barry’s continued drug problems, while others indicated that he should vacate his seat on the D.C. Council.

White Leaves WMATA: As we reported yesterday, WMATA Chief Richard White was, well, no one really knows what, but the point is that he’s no longer in his old job. Dana Kauffman, chairman of WMATA’s Board of Directors, diplomatically described White’s leaving as such: “This is as clearly stated a mutually agreed separation. This is not a termination. This is not a resignation. We’ve come to agreement.” Call it what you want, but District Department of Transportation honcho Dan Tangherlini is set to take over for White come February 16, notes WTOP. As part of White’s “mutually agreed separation,” he will receive a cash settlement of $238,000 and an annual lifetime pension payment of $116,000. Given that White is 53 and can expect to live to see 75, that’s roughly $2.5 million, or close to 1.9 million Metro trips at $1.35 a pop.

Virginia and Maryland Push for Dedicated Funding for Metro: Following the lead of the District, officials in Virginia and Maryland have begun pushing their respective state legislatures to create dedicated sources of funding for Metro, writes WJLA. Last month the D.C. Council began considering legislation that would establish a dedicated source of funding for Metro, a step towards tapping into $1.5 billion in federal funds set aside by Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) for capital improvement projects. All three jurisdictions in which Metro operates have to establish the dedicated sources before the money would be made available.

Briefly Noted: DCist announces happy hour … Manassas to repeal controversial housing regulation … Police followed proper procedure in journalist’s death … Maryland looks to crack down on violent video games … Cropp proposes compromises for stadium … Did you hear about that DCist happy hour?

Picture snapped by dcJohn.