D.C. Taxis May Become Metered: Yeah, you’ve heard that one before. There may be some truth to it this time. WTOP is reporting that President Bush is set to sign the yearly District of Columbia Omnibus Authorization Act, which this time around includes an amendment that would require D.C. cabs to switch to meters within the next year. Except that by “require” it actually reads “unless the new mayor of D.C. doesn’t want to.” At least our federal overlords are leaving it up to us on this one, right? Of course, who is going to pay for the change isn’t mentioned in the amendment, either. Oops. Maybe it will be free! Just like our dream cab rides. So, presumptive mayor-to-be Fenty, whaddya say? To meter or not to meter?

Robbers Just Wanna Have Fun: Or at least, they just want to rob those of us who are trying to. The Post has a lengthy analysis of recent crime statistics on its front page this morning that, while upsetting, is by no means surprising. The main conclusion reached is that the District neighborhoods with by far the highest robbery rates are also the ones best known for their trendy nightlife destinations and diverse demographics; namely, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Mount Pleasant and the U Street corridor. D.C.’s criminals are willing to travel to these neighborhoods to find easier, more lucrative targets who are likely to have cash, credit cards and cellphones on hand. It’s all fairly disturbing to think about before we’ve even had our first cup of coffee, especially when we remember how many of us, our friends and loved ones have actually been robbed in the city over the last year, and that the increased police presence we’ve all noticed in these neighborhoods since the crime emergency was declared will soon be a thing of the past.

Briefly Noted: Mark Warner won’t run for president after all, but did we only ever care about him because he’s from Virginia? … Increase in MetroAccess accidents troubling … Controversial Maryland Intercounty Connector breaks ground … Gallaudet protest leaders agree to open one side of campus … Gaithersburg day laborer center approved …Suit filed on behalf of an elderly Hagerstown woman who died as a result of eating tainted spinach.

This Day in DCist: In 2005 we looked at a potential scandal for councilmember Jack Evans and interviewed the Nethers, and in 2004 we noted that some of our panda statues had gone political just in time for the final debate of the 2004 presidential race.

Flickr user zachstern brings us this spooky-cool photo of the Mall for your Friday the 13th purposes