Bring out your purple plastic beads and get ready for some king cake! Well, we wish. For obvious reasons, the District and surrounding areas are decidedly calmer than, say, Bourbon Street. But we’ve still got some action going on. If you’d like to experience some good ol’ Mardi Gras flavor, the Post’s City Guide lists what’s going on today, from galas to Zydeco. Of course, there is always Lulu’s in Foggy Bottom — they bring Mardi Gras cheer to the District all year long. And now, for some news:
Reward Offered in U Street Shooting: After a shooting on the popular U Street corridor this weekend left a bystander dead, the search continues for those involved in a late-night attack. The shooting left 33-year-old Arlington architect Damon Ward dead and a 21-year old woman injured. According to Fox 5’s News at 10, Ward was a talented architect in his prime who designed the world’s first cageless animal shelter, which is still under construction. Anyone with tips regarding this crime should call D.C. police at 202-727-9099.
D.C. School Superintendent Reveals Master Plan: D.C. Public Schools Superintendent Clifford Janey yesterday unveiled his Master Education Plan, a 124-page document outlining a big overhaul to the system. As listed in the Examiner, Janey’s plan would include arts, music and physical education being reintroduced into the system, students being required to complete additional math and science classes, as well as expanding vocational education programs. The plan will cost DCPS $264 million over the next three years, which is nearly twice what the system has available. The plan also suggests that five of the city’s 20 high schools all with enrollments below 500 could be reconfigured and that the “community school” concept, which has been successful in other major U.S. cities, be expanded.
Silver Spring Transit receives $24 million in Federal Funds: In an effort to revamp the Silver Spring Metro station and transit center, $24 million in federal funds have been appropriated for the project. The State of Maryland had previously agreed to contribute $6 million to the project, but the governor’s office announced Monday that such funds were not included in their budget. As noted in the Examiner, the Transit Center is slated to include two levels for buses, a third level for the Kiss & Ride area, a taxi stand and short-term parking as well as an urban park.
Briefly Noted: GW down, Georgetown up … Hearing to be held on Dulles Rail Plan … High-ranking D.C. fire official under investigation … Sun reporter critically injured in Downtown Baltimore.
Picture snapped by ohad*.
