Good morning, Washington, and thanks to everyone who joined us last night to celebrate Butterstick’s first birthday. We had a great time meeting folks, downing cheap beer and generally looking ridiculous in our black and white regalia. We’re grateful to everyone who came out. And we swear we had nothing to do with the gun-control-themed reggae that eventually filled the room.
Slots Petitions Draw Complaints: Washington is a city with a booming economy, a lingering crime problem and a significant divide between its rich and poor. Clearly, what we need is legalized gambling. As we mentioned on Monday, D.C.’s aspiring gaming industry is currently circulating petitions to get slot machines on the fall ballot. Gambling opponents are already taking action: in addition to holding a rally yesterday, the Washington Times reports that activists have filed a complaint with the D.C. Board of Elections alleging that petition-collectors aren’t complying with the law when they collect signatures. More specifically, the complaint states that signature-collectors are violating the law by not having D.C. residents on hand to supervise the signature-collection process. The board has declined to review the complaint, however, saying that they can’t take any action until the petitions are submitted.
Metro’s Radio Problems Chronicled: The Post brings word of WMATA’s ongoing radio travails. Apparently Metro bought a fancy new system six years ago from Motorola, but the vendor has yet to get it working properly. Instead, Metro police must carry two radios, an old and a new. It gets a little complicated from there — consult the Post for the full scoop. We’re confident that our man Dan will sort everything out.
Alexandria Fights Weirdly-Colored Water: WJLA reports that Alexandria is flushing its water lines. Apparently the recent rains have caused the water supply to contain excess manganese, resulting in a brown or yellowish product from the tap. Not to worry, though; provided that the condition lasts less than a decade or so, everyone should be fine. Officials do recommend that Alexandria residents avoid washing their whites until the discoloration ceases, however.
Briefly Noted: MARC Brunswick line is running an hour late… Virginia is chock full of eagles… Maryland considers stem cell research… Cropp says homeless signature-collectors were unnecessary… Officer’s missing gun connected to crimes… Zoning commission approves hybrid stadium parking design…
This Day In DCist: Last year’s July 7th was filled with bad news, as we discussed the London subway bombings, Mike Grass’s departure and Q And Not U’s breakup.
Picture from last night’s happy hour of a particularly militant panda fan snapped by the author.
