Good morning, Washington. WaPo relays that the debate over D.C.’s cab fares is getting feisty, while WJLA tells us that the film industry is bringing some bucks to Virginia. On that note, for all of you documentary film buffs out there, today is the start of the fourth-annual SilverDocs film festival over in Silver Spring. From today until June 18, you can revel in the glory of the documentary. From one that follows the inspiring grassroots effort of a Missouri political campaign to the story of a renegade left-handed pitcher, there’s lots of good stuff to choose from.
Delay in Rolling New Out Metro Railcars: Though it’s the summer season and Washington seems to be reaching its human capacity, it looks like we’ll have to wait a bit longer before a new, more space-efficient Metro railcar pulls up to a platform near you. The Post is reporting that 10 of the 12 new cars have to be “retrofitted with a new center pin,” which in non-technical lingo means that they have some structural problems that need to be addressed.
Mayoral Race Money Reported: WJLA tells us that it looks like D.C. Council-member Adrian Fenty is slightly ahead of Linda Cropp in regards to fundraising for the mayoral race. Finance reports were filed yesterday, which revealed that over the past three months Fenty raised nearly $636,000, with Cropp pulling together $436,000. In overall totals, Fenty has $1.76 million, while Cropp is right behind with $1.75 million.
Publisher of Washingtonian Presumed Dead: Though the search for the publisher of the Washingtonian, Phillip Merrill, continues, WTOP is reporting that authorities have changed the search into a recovery mission. After two days of searching, there has been no trace of Merrill, with only his empty sailboat being recovered on Chesapeake Bay.
Above-Ground, or Underground?: As noted on WJLA’s website, D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams is pushing for underground parking at the new Nationals stadium, saying that it’s in the best interest of the “long-term growth” of the area. The owner of the Nats says that could push the price tag up by $29 million and is lobbying for above-ground parking.
This Day in DCist: On this day last year, we saw the next Ballston in East Falls Church, reported on Mayor Williams’ pleas for peace, did a little investigative reporting on Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Tex.), her Capitol Hill home and her guns, and visited Little Ethiopia.
Briefly Noted: Guilty plea from Teen Driver in IHOP Shooting … VA sex offender registry one of most comprehensive in nation … For his TV show, “Super-Size Me” filmmaker Spurlock spends 24 days in Henrico Co. jail … On Monday, folks zip across new, improved Wilson Bridge… This past weekend, thousands turned out for Gay Pride Festival.
Grundlepuck’s merry-go-round photo makes us want to play hooky today
