Good morning, Washington, and welcome to another beautiful fall day. Let’s start it with a question for the group — which of the following better exemplifies the proud tradition of local news: WTTG’s repeated pre-commercial teases last night warning that “this teddy bear is responsible for the deaths of thousands“? Or this snippet of audio from The Simpsons?
Richmond Nixes Transportation Funding: The Virginia Legislature’s special session is off to an unproductive start, as the Post reports. The session was called with one purpose: to figure out a means of funding a solution to Northern Virginia’s traffic woes. But the Republican-controlled House is staunchly opposed to levying new taxes; Tuesday’s decisive vote signalled an unwillingness to compromise. Looks like the governor’s alleged optimism may not have been justified.
Capitol Security Bosses Were On Leave During Breach: WUSA brings word that a number of top Capitol Police officials were taking lengthy breaks from the job last week, when an armed gunman broke through security and wandered the Capitol until being subdued by civilians. The officials were using up comp time that a recent policy change had forced them to utilize or forfeit. There doesn’t seem to be a clear indication that a lack of oversight enabled the security breach — but it sure doesn’t look good.
BREAKING! Kids These Days Are Out Of Control!: The Post profiles an alarming new development: area students’ fondness for t-shirts with provocative slogans printed on them. Astoundingly, the kids are somehow gaming the system, using double entendres and subtle turns of phrase to stymy school administrators’ enforcement efforts. It’s almost like they’re deliberately trying to alarm their elders! More on this important story as it develops.
Briefly Noted: D.C. charter schools’ poor performance matches that of public schools… Wilson Bridge begins new life as Wilson Reef… Maryland MVA employee faces charges of selling fake IDs… Nats literally off-track… Va. receives millions in new homeland security grants… Md. senatorial race becomes suddenly puppy-centric… Suspect arrested for 15 year-old’s murder…
This Day In DCist: One year ago we covered an anti-war march and visited Colorado Kitchen. Two years ago we were spotting Segways.
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user iceman882
