Immigration News: The Post reports that yesterday thousands gathered outside the Capitol building to protest legislation that could potentially authorize prosecution of social service workers, doctors, and others who assist illegal immigrants. A protest spokesperson estimated that 20,000 people showed up to the rally.
The original House bill was sponsored by Representatives from Wisconsin and New York, but issues surrounding immigration are locally pertinent. The Post also looks today at a Brookings Institution study that examines trends in racial and ethnic population growth. The study notes that migration to the Washington area has generated a city in which “most children younger than 15 are minorities, and most adults are white.” This generation gap feeds local tensions; as an example the Post cites Montgomery and Fairfax Counties, where minority children are in the majority in the school system, while older, generally white residents place increasing demands on services for the elderly. Of note, the article points out that the area’s black population is growing, but has fallen to fourth in the country behind New York, Chicago, and now Atlanta. Additionally, Washington’s white population is growing, which differentiates the it from L.A., Chicago, and New York, where whites are generally leaving.
And crotchety Robert Samuelson calls for a 2,000 mile wall.
High Speed Chase Nets Suspects, Answers: Yesterday, a Southeast shooting that left a man dead led to a high speed chase that took cops in and out of the District. Police ultimately apprehended the suspects in D.C., and they now believe the attack was retaliation for one and possibly two homicides that took place in Southeast D.C. last month. Chief Ramsey praised the conduct of the pursuit, and said the events showed the occasional necessity of giving chase.
Ballpark Plans Moving Forward: The D.C. Council yesterday approved a construction contract for the baseball stadium, and it appears likely that a design for the stadium will be released to the public within the next few weeks. The city will begin selling about $535 million worth of bonds this month, and Council Member Jack Evans estimated that construction would begin in April. The later starting date likely means that the stadium will be ready for play in 2008, but not completely finished for the first home game.
Briefly Noted: Prince William County gets Russian love note…Nasty wreck on BW Parkway…Wizards drop another…Post forgets to cover WBC?…Cordero throws solid inning in U.S. victory.
Picture taken by James Calder.
