These days, if you haven’t seen Butterstick in the flesh, well, you may as well not even be alive. Ever since the District’s favorite new celebrity was born just over six months ago, residents from across the region have watched as Butterstick grew from grotesque rat-looking thing to the mound of cuteness we see today. And ever since the National Zoo started handing out free tickets to see the ‘stick, attendance at the Woodley Park site has doubled, according to NBC 4. Of course, just a trickle of that stream of visitors has expressed any interest in those other animals, which, from what we hear, are just itching for the day that Butterstick gets sent back to China. How cute will that precious little panda be then?

District to Investigate Journalist’s Death: Responding to repeated criticisms of the emergency response that failed to adequately deal with New York Times journalist David Rosembaum, who was attacked and died last week, the District has announced that it will proceed with an independent investigation into the response. The Post notes that the announcement came shortly after D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services similarly announced that it would look into improving its emergency medical response. Some have questioned the quality of the care Rosembaum received after he was attacked, the response time, and asked why he was taken to Howard University Hospital when closer alternatives existed.

Metro Asked to Appoint Representative for Pedestrian Issues: The region’s Transportation Planning Board has asked Metro’s Board of Directors to appoint someone to handle pedestrian and cyclist issues, writes WJLA. In a letter addressed to Board of Directors Chairman Dana Kauffman, the planning board noted that over 60 percent of Metro’s riders get to and from stations by foot or bicycle, and that currently no one person exists to coordinate projects and initiatives aimed at them. In related news, the Riders Advisory Council will meet for the first time next Wednesday.

Man Stabbed in Dupont Circle Club: A man was stabbed late last night at Club Chaos, a Dupont Circle nightclub, reports NBC 4. Though the victim survived the attack, the club may well follow in the footsteps of Club U and Kili’s Kafe, both of which were shut down in the last year after they both suffered from similar violent incidents.

Briefly Noted: Virginia Republicans discuss $1 billion in tax and fee increases … D.C. to pay Medicare prescription bills … FAA wants permanent flight restrictions over District … Housing advocates support mandatory inclusionary housing for District … Stadium negotiations continue.

Picture snapped by dcJohn.