Good morning, Washington. We know that the news hasn’t been particularly uplifting since the crime emergency began. And, to be honest, today’s stories don’t really represent a change from that precedent. But we have good news! That’s right: Geraldo is coming to town to save us all. Now admittedly, this DCist’s Powerbook wasn’t able to coax any sound out of Fox 5’s new, impossibly Flash-heavy website, so it’s difficult to know the exact planks of Geraldo’s anti-crime platform. But based upon his appearance on last night’s 10 o’clock WTTG broadcast, the intrepid TV journalist hopes to “really help” the people of Washington via his in-depth coverage of the crime emergency. We can’t wait.
New Curfew Details Emerge: The mayor’s recently-passed revisions to the city’s curfew law will be going into effect next Monday, WTOP reports. Unaccompanied kids age sixteen and under will have to be off the street between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. There are exceptions for those on their way to and from work, errands or organized activities, but the rest will, if caught, be taken to Re-Neducation “Curfew Centers”.
Park Police Continue To Struggle: Last week Martin discussed Mayor Williams’ plan for responding to the crime emergency, and opined that the proposed measures were aimed at providing a temporary cosmetic fix rather than a fundamental improvement in the city’s justice system. Well, it appears that the mayor isn’t the only one taking that sort of approach. WTOP, following up on yesterday’s Washington Times story, reports that the cash-strapped Park Police agency has cancelled new cadet training programs in order to divert funds to its Mall-patrolling responsibilities. But there may be a solution: D.C. delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is lobbying to have the U.S. Capitol Police assist the Park Police in keeping the Mall safe.
“Wig Lady” Bandit Terrorizes Region: Well, okay — terrorize might be too strong a word. But a larcenous middle-aged lady with a penchant for wigs has stolen about $200,000 from victims’ bank accounts, using identity information taken from the victims’ stolen wallets. WUSA has pictures; there’s a $1000 reward.
Briefly Noted: Lerner Group officially takes reins of the Nationals… D.C. cops earned $30 million in overtime last year… Unemployed 43 year-old Baltimore County senatorial candidate accused of sexually assaulting immigrant teenage wife (makes he-who-must-not-be-named look like elder statesman)… D.C. Jail to redouble HIV-testing efforts… Man cuts off own hand at Springfield Halal market…
This Day In DCist: One year ago we discussed the controversy over the name “Little Ethiopia” and Dulles’ poor track record.
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user eteel
