Good morning, D.C. It’s nearly May, and you know what that means: the region is once again being gripped by baby duck fever. Apparently. It seems that a year ago we were on pins and needles waiting for news of hatching from a nest near the Treasury Department, a nest that was assigned its own security detail. And right on schedule, the Washington Times brings us word of another increase in the city’s duckling population.
Kaine Takes Aim At Gas Prices: Yesterday Virginia Governor Tim Kaine said that he didn’t expect the state legislature to present him with a gas tax increase. Now he’s preparing to fight escalating gas prices with new anti-gouging powers that will go into effect July 1, reports WTOP. However, the governor was quick to point out that he wasn’t accusing any particular fuel retailers of gouging. With most of the recent price changes coming from higher in the supply chain, it’s questionable whether Kaine’s use of the anti-gouging measure would — or could — have much of an effect.
Md. Teacher Named Best In Nation: Congratulations to Montgomery County’s own Kimberly Oliver, who, as WUSA informs us, has won the National Teacher of the Year award. The prize is considered to be the top honor for our country’s teachers. President Bush will present Oliver with the recognition today. There must be something about area teachers — a D.C. public school teacher took the award last year.
Stadium Bonds Receive Low Rating: The bonds needed to finance the construction of the new $611 million baseball stadium have received low ratings from Wall Street bond rating firms, notes WJLA. Fitch, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s agreed that the business tax is the only reliable stream of revenue to ensure that investors are paid back, and they gave the bonds mediocre rating between triple-B and triple-B-plus.
“Grandma’s” Alleged Attacker Stands Trial: The Post reports on the progress of the case against James Dorsey, the man accused of brutally attacking and robbing the Foggy Bottom street vendor known by many as “Grandma.” The attack occurred nearly a year ago, and was captured on video. Yesterday’s opening statements in the trial focused on that video, with the defense maintaining that it is inconclusive and that Dorsey’s confession was obtained under duress. Prosecutor Jonathan Haray acknowledged that the video doesn’t allow for a definite ID, but expressed confidence in his case.
Briefly Noted: Reward increased for information about slaying of 9 year-old… Good news for Maryland teachers, wine lovers and equine-transport-safety enthusiasts… Labor complaint filed against the Post… Pricey artwork damaged by Georgetown fire… Taco Bell worker could face up to ten years for spitting in drink…
This Day In DCist: One year ago today the proposed new hospital was already running into trouble. And we were unwittingly getting ourselves into trouble of our own, as we prepared for a happy hour at Chief Ike’s that ended up being a little too much fun.
Image of Screech by Flickr user llemanie
