Martin Austermuhle
If businesses seem a little slower than usual today, there’s a good explanation — today is the day that millions of immigrants across the United States will boycott work, part of a protest the demonstrate their economic weight and push for sensible immigration reform. The boycott has sparked divisions within the immigrant rights movement, though, with some groups and advocates in the area arguing that the action could turn public opinion against them. Locally, Hispanic officials in Arlington, Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties have expressed their opposition to the boycott, asking the immigrants instead begin voting and petition drives.
Thousands Protest Darfur Genocide: In a show of solidarity with victims of the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan, tens of thousands of people crowded the National Mall yesterday to raise awareness and push the Bush administration to action, notes NBC 4. Speakers at the demonstration included George Clooney, Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Washington Archbishop Theodore McCarrick. DCist was there, and we’ll have a report later this morning.
Storm Surges in Chesapeake Bay Increasing: Government scientists have found that storm surges caused by hurricanes are worsening in the Chesapeake Bay, reports the Washington Times. According to their models, a Category 4 hurricane in the Carolinas could cause an 18- to 20-foot surge at high tide in Baltimore, while a Category 3 hurricane could produce a 13-foot surge. The last major hurricane to hit the area was Hurricane Isabel in 2003, which caused thousands of downed trees and power outages across the region.
Fairfax County Considers Streetcars: Hoping to reduce traffic in car-dependent Fairfax County, officials are considering building a streetcar line that would stretch along Columbia Pike from the Pentagon City Metro station to the Skyline area, notes WJLA. The project is estimated to cost $120 million.
Briefly Noted: Group tries to identify the District’s biggest trees … D.C. Council still considering new hospital … Today is the last day for public comment on Metro’s plan for holiday fare increases … Investigation into murder of Chandra Levy continues.
Picture snapped by andertho
