We’re not sure if Indian Summer is an entirely PC term, but when mall Santas start appearing the same week it’s predicted to skirt 70 degrees, we’re left with two conclusions. Either we were really nice to puppies and orphans in a past life or global warming isn’t so bad. Now for the rest of the news.
Fenty Already In The Hole: Incoming Mayor Adrian Fenty hasn’t even been sworn in yet and he’s facing a budget deficit. Fenty, who’s promised better city services with no tax increases, got the news Monday that the District is already $300 million short for the 2007/2008 budget. According to D.C. CFO Natwar Ghandi, the cause lies in D.C.’s health-care system. More folks are taking part in city health plans and two key health-service departments can’t manage to dot their “i”s and cross the “t”s. Improper paperwork is keeping the mental health and disability administrations from getting fully reimbursed by the federal government. Could a BlackBerry or two fix this?
What’s In a Name?: Apparently, about $10 million. Bidding for the naming-rights of the Nationals’ new stadium is likely to begin soon. Experts say the deal will bring in between $4 to $10 million in revenue for the team. We’re still getting used to the MCI/Verizon Center switcheroo, but does anyone have a particular corporation they long to see splashed across the new bastion of baseball?
Easy Being Green, Pt. II: The Montgomery County Council is slated to pass legislation today encouraging the construction of so-called “green buildings”. As opposed to D.C.’s plans to require the energy-saving measures for private buildings by 2012, the County would give tax-breaks and reduced building fees to those who comply with the new standards starting next year.
Briefly Noted: Allen campaign material raking in the dough on Ebay… Lincoln Memorial re-opened after lame security scare… Religious leaders lead pray-in at National Airport… District residents want compensation for water main break… Local pet-owners get braces for their dogs. Seriously.
This Day in DCist: Last year we got the oh-so-shocking news of D.C.’s budget malfeasance. In 2004 we pondered the future of diplomatic immunity at the curb.
Photo by Flickr user billadler.
