Good morning, D.C. That wasn’t too bad, was it? We got our projected inch of snow (more or less), but for the most part civilization continues. You can find a list of closings and delays here — the most notable is probably the two hour delay announced by District schools. But the snow isn’t the only problem they’re facing: yesterday more than three dozen D.C. schools experienced heat problems, and this morning three are closed outright because of furnace difficulties. Students at the affected schools will be bused to other facilities for the day.
Barry Suggests Suspending Gun Ban, Banning Smoking In Cars: Marion Barry is making headlines for more than just his failure to abide by his tax settlement’s terms. NBC4 reports that the councilman wants to suspend D.C.’s handgun ban for 90 days. But his rationale leaves us scratching our heads: Barry says he’s opposed to any citizen having a gun, but that those who already do ought to register them. But who would register a gun if it might become illegal again in three months? Other council members expressed skepticism — the bill’s fate will ultimately be up to the council judiciary committee. But that’s not the only new legislation that Barry’s proposing: WTTG reports that he’s also introduced a measure that would ban smoking in cars carrying minors within the city. UPDATE: DCist Martin is, as usual, on top of things, and tells me that although FOX5 didn’t bother to note it, the proposed ban would only apply to cars carrying minors.
Tysons Tunnel Just Won’t Die: It seems like the fight over the Tysons Metro tunnel has been going on forever. Tunnel advocates were initially defeated by the federal government’s cost-effectiveness requirements — the tunnel’s pricetag looked like it would put federal funds in jeopardy, making the project a no-go. Then the elevated track started to look more expensive and the tunnel less so. But it was too late to change and still meet the federal deadline… Except that it turns out that it wasn’t, as the Post reports. Federal officials say that the state has until spring ’08, which tunnel boosters say is just enough time to switch plans — if Governor Kaine decides to do so.
Briefly Noted: Transportation bill passes Va. house… Gaithersburg girl found safe & sound… City expedites purchase of street cameras… Astronaut charged with attempted murder…
This Day In DCist: One year ago we pondered appropriate apparel at Chi-Cha Lounge and, coincidentally enough, pondered what Marion Barry’s punishment for tax evasion ought to be. Two years ago we were angry about the persistent presence of chemical trains in the city.
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user a nameless yeast
