Welcome to the first morning of the Fenty administration, Washington. As we mentioned at the time, Mr. Fenty was officially sworn in yesterday. The Post reports that the ceremony was kept small in order to avoid distracting from funeral observances in President Ford’s honor. Very tactful! Good job so far, Mr. Mayor. Fenty’s inaugural address will occur today at the Washington Convention Center.
Meet Your New First Lady: We’re still not quite ready to face the harsh reality of our return to work, so how about we start things off with some fluff? Fox 5 is happy to oblige with a not-quite-hard-hitting interview with Michelle Fenty, our new mayor’s better half. Among the revelations contained within: the couple met at Howard, she likes Indian food, and her favorite color is black.
Officer From IHOP Shooting Suspended: The officer who killed a teenager at an Alexandria IHOP in a situation prompted by an unpaid $26 check has been suspended — and it only took ten months for it to happen. The Post reports that Police Chief David Baker met with the slain teen’s parents yesterday and subsequently announced that Officer Carl Stowe would be suspended for thirty days, the maximum penalty (other than firing) that is used by the department. It was originally determined in June that Stowe had acted reasonably and would not face criminal charges.
Arlington Goes Greener: The Post reports on a new initiative from D.C.’s square-completing Virginia counterpart. Arlington is planning a series of environmentally-friendly initiatives, including purchasing more wind power, providing tax breaks to hybrid car owners, and giving away CFL bulbs to residents. County board chairman Paul Ferguson says the initiative was inspired by Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth.
Briefly Noted: 6000 Maryland schoolkids barred from class for not having required vaccinations… Va. Tech doctors will soon be able to treat more than just animals… Diesel smoke prompts Union Station evacuation… Wal-mart trail mix recalled (the G in GORP isn’t supposed to stand for “glass”)… Pit bull killed after attacking four children…
This Day In DCist: One year ago we said goodbye to Independence Air and hello to American Apparel. Two years ago we talked about green rooftops and got ready for President Bush’s second inauguration.
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user bsivad
