Good morning, Washington. Need something to warm your funny bone (or at least your sense of outrage) on this appropriately cold winter morning? Well, look no further that the hijinks of Virginia’s legislators. We thought that Virgil Goode’s silly attacks on Rep. Keith Ellison were all the entertainment that the commonwealth was likely to offer in the short term. But, as NBC4 reports, state representative Frank Hargrove has come to the rescue, committing two enormous gaffes in a single interview with the Daily Progress. Commenting on a proposed resolution that would have the state apologize for slavery, the 79 year-old Hargrove suggested that African Americans ought to “get over” slavery, then put his comments in context by noting that we don’t “force the Jews to apologize for killing Christ”. Wow. It’s like the state is trying to act extra-offensive to make up for the void left by George Allen.
Bus Crash Details Emerge: On Monday afternoon a private bus carrying students from Arlington crashed in Canada. Today the Post brings us more details: the students were on a ski trip to Mont Sainte Anne when the bus — which some say was traveling dangerously quickly through icy conditions — slid into the median and rolled over. A lot of serious (but apparently not life-threatening) injuries resulted. Unsurpringly, the students’ parents are upset with the company that operated the tour, both for the accident and for how they’ve handled the aftermath. The Post has some specific complaints; WTOP has the company’s response.
Council Considers Parking For Firefighters: The Washington Times brings word that the city council is considering making the 60 feet in front of D.C. firehouses reserved space for firefighter parking. The bill was introduced by councilmembers Brown and Cheh and — following up on a story they first reported nearly a year ago — the Times reports that the bill could be amended to provide reserved parking for school teachers, too.
D.C. To Get More Vendors: It’s about time. WJLA reports that the District is set to end its years-long moratorium on applications for food vendor licenses. We’ve lamented the city’s sadly limited street cart cuisine in the past; it’s good to see some progress being made. Still, the 21 new licenses that are up for grabs represent a meager 3% increase in the total number of vendors, leaving us wondering whether they’ll be enough to significantly improve our lunchtime routine.
Briefly Noted: Court rejects more lax pollution standards for Anacostia River… Arlington home prices fall slightly after lengthy period of significant growth… Va. mulls return of traffic light cameras… UMD student pleads guilty to murder in fatal arson case… Independent report on Gallaudet protests released, places blame on police and administrators…
This Day In DCist: One year ago we talked about D.C.’s quest for an official fruit. A year before that we noted the dying gasps of the old WHFS’s fanbase.
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user abi thompson
