Good morning, Washington. We hope your commute your commute to work yesterday was better than ours. We ran into snarled traffic in two different locations thanks to newspaper machines that had been blown into the street. Chalk another one up for the new media: we may not have sources, offices or salaries, but we’re indisputably less susceptible to wind.
Today looks to be about as cold and blustery as Thursday was — WAMU says it’s the coldest morning so far this year. Better bundle up.
Mayor Promises Stadium Decision Today: WTOP reports that yesterday, on his “Ask The Mayor” radio program, Mayor Williams promised that we’ll all “know [the council’s decision on the stadium] within 24 hours. By the end of Friday, you’ll pretty much know.” We’re sorry, Mr. Mayor, but we’re having a hard time believing this. We can no longer conceive of a time when the stadium deal wasn’t in limbo. Oceania has always been trying to build a stadium in Eastasia…
Maryland Reconsiders Bar Smoking Ban: Speaking of never-ending news stories — we honestly thought that we were going to get a break from the smoking ban debate. Maryland passed one; D.C. passed one; and Virginia seemed likely to remain mum on the subject for the foreseeable future. We thought that was the end of it. Not so! Hoping that the fourth time will be the charm, Maryland anti-smoking activists are planning to re-introduce a bill banning smoking in bars, WTOP reports. The bill has previously died in the state’s finance committee, but that committee’s chairman says its chances have improved.
Man Charged In Behl Murder: Yesterday Benjamin Fawley was formally arraigned on charges of murdering Taylor Behl, the VCU college student who disappeared last Labor Day weekend. Fawley has been in police custody since the investigation into Behl’s disappearance resulted in child pornography charges against the 38 year-old man. Behl’s remains were found in early October; shortly thereafter, Fawley claimed that her death was an accident. The accused man has not yet entered a plea, although his lawyer indicates that he may seek a change of venue.
Briefly Noted: Growth boom in NoVa continues… Maryland inmate shoots guard, escapes, is recaptured… Ehrlich delivers upbeat state of the state address… United plans to expand presence at Dulles… CDC says organizers’ poor planning to blame for Boy Scout Jamboree heat injuries…
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user Ben In DC
