Good morning, D.C. The picture to the right — posted to DCist Photos by Ryan Shepard — is an illustration of J. Cuthler’s Brewery that was originally published in 1884. Fourteenth & E has changed a lot since then, but tonight you have a chance to help save different piece of Washington’s brewing history: the Heurich House Happy Hour is this evening. You can find details on all the alliterative fun here. And while you’re busy clicking, be sure to also check out Ryan’s other photos from The National Capital: Washington, D.C.

Hagerstown Mayor Up An’ Quits: Yesterday, Republican Richard Trump abruptly resigned his office. According to the Post, his two-sentence resignation letter went as follows: “As of February 1, 2006, I respectfully resign the position of Mayor. I respect your understanding in this manner [sic] and will be glade [sic] to cooperate with any matters.” Trump had reportedly become frustrated over clashes with the city council. Hagerstown is now accepting applications for mayor (copy editing ability unimportant).

Maryland Dems Foil Anti-Gay Marriage Referendum: Utilizing a mix of parliamentary procedure and last-minute amendments, Democrats in the Maryland Legislature have managed to keep a prohibition on gay marriage off of next November’s ballot. The key maneuver came when Delegate Kathleen Dumais offered a change to the amendment, which would have recognized and accorded benefits to same-sex civil unions. The amendment’s supporters found this unacceptable, killing the measure’s chances.

District’s Per Capita Debt Highest In Nation: The Examiner reports that Washington residents’ individual share of their city’s public debt is much higher than that of the citizens of any state. Financial analysts worry about the city’s recent string of capital-intensive initiatives; city officials say that the spending couldn’t be avoided. Whatever you think of the District’s public debt, there’s no denying that there’s a lot of it. On the upside, D.C. isn’t doing too badly from a personal savings standpoint — A. G. Edwards ranks us eleventh of 200 metropolitan areas.

Briefly Noted: MPD officer commits suicide in 911 center… H&R Block accidentally reveals Virginians’ social security numbers… Shots fired at a P.G. County school bus… Capitol police drop charges and apologize to Sheehan… Crane topples near Wilson Bridge, injures two…