Good morning, Washington. It looks like today’s going to be sunny and warm, leading into a generally pleasant-sounding weekend. Hurrah! Now for some unpleasant-sounding news…

Maryland Electricity Prices Likely To Increase: NBC4 is reporting that this summer’s utility bills are likely to contain a nasty surprise for Maryland customers. Rising gas, coal and oil prices could lead to a 1/3 to 3/4 increase for as many as 1.6 million consumers. Don’t gloat, Virginians: according to the article, you may be facing the same situation next year when current rate freezes expire. D.C. utilities will presumably remain as affordable, reliable and all-around delightful as ever.

Dangerous Dogs In Va.: Yesterday marked one year from the day that a Spotsylvania woman was killed in front of her house by three loose pit bulls. And strangely enough, it also brought two new dog-attack stories. First, a pit bull was shot by police in Falls Church after biting two people. Second, the Virginia House of Delegates passed a new law increasing penalties for owners of dogs involved in serious attacks.

Navy QB Faces Rape Charges: Naval Academy MVP Lamar Owens is accused of forcing himself upon a 22 20 year-old midshipman while she was intoxicated, according to the Post. Owens’ defense seems to have been significantly weakened by the prosecution’s recording of a phone call in which he confessed to the victim and expressed his contrition. And WTOP reports that Owens’ legal situation might be even worse than first reported: he may now also face charges related to the violation of a previous order requiring him to stay away from the alleged victim. The next hearing in the case won’t occur until April 3.

Briefly Noted: Maryland changes back from touchscreen voting machines to paper ballots… More squabbling among P.G. County firefighters… Winston Churchill named honorary Virginian… String of robberies targets N.W. cabdrivers… $100k lottery prize remains unclaimed…

Image posted to DCist Photos by easement.