Good morning, Washington. We hope you got through yesterday’s tornado warning alright — it seems likely that you did. Today should bring better weather, with a high of 75 and relatively twister-free skies.
Optimism Over Voting Rights Bill: Yesterday brought news of Reps. Davis and Norton’s bill to bring congressional representation to the District. Now the Post brings us more details on the challenges that the measure will face. Congressman Davis says that the House Judiciary Committee has already agreed to hold a vote on the bill. That vote, along with a similar one among the Davis-chaired Government Reform Committee, represents the first major test for the measure. If it succeeds there, its sponsors say they’re optimistic about getting to a floor vote — in fact, they say they’re optimistic about winning a floor vote, too. And about finding support in the Senate. And about the constitutionality of D.C. seceding and declaring itself a sovereign republic. Okay, maybe not that last one. Still, here’s hoping their rosy outlook is justified. Unfortunately, the Post article contains hints that it may not be: a Judiciary Committee spokesman says that the committee may only hold a hearing rather than a vote; and an unnamed aide indicates that getting to a floor vote may be harder than Davis thinks.
Metro Closures Looming: There’s a Metro maintenance blitz coming, according to the Post. Rather than single-tracking stations during weekends to sneak in work — an approach that draws repairs out to weeks-long durations — the agency will soon begin a policy of shutting down stations entirely during weekends in order to complete its fixes. The first such closure will occur the weekend of June 2 at the Stadium-Armory station, while the Nats are on the road (shuttle buses will be provided). The maintenance initiative will last until at least September.
Defendant Convicted In ‘Grandma’ Beating: James Dorsey has been found guilty of the armed robbery and assault of the 84 year-old Foggy Bottom street vendor known as ‘Grandma’. This news comes a day after reports that the deliberations had deadlocked after one juror became somewhat difficult. Dorsey will be sentenced in July.
Briefly Noted: Hagerstown museum finds hidden painting via X-rays… Conjoined twins born in Northwest to Wisconsin couple… Scam artist taking advantage of Fairfax police station shooting… Shooter used guns belonging to parents (who aren’t talking to police)… The Answer in town answering questions about eyebar brawl… Law student caught doing 126 on G.W. Parkway…
This Day In DCist: A year ago today we discussed the reading habits of Cutlerphiles and reflected on our dissolute, house-music-filled past.
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user willpwillp
