Well, Washington, we seem to be stuck in a rut here. The country is mired in war, the Tysons tunnel debate drones on, and the weather remains nothing but frigid. Even the Grammys were stuck in the past. A show meant to honor the best music of the past year was dominated by The Dixie Chicks and Mary J. Blige? Red Hot Chili Peppers? Lionel F%&$ing Richie? Rest in Peace, Pop Music.
Solid Year Expected for Region’s Economy: A panel of experts assembled annually by the Post predicts another year of steady growth in the region. Among the highlights: area businesses will add 60,000 new jobs, but unemployment may tick upward slightly in Maryland and Virginia. Median home prices will dip slightly to $429,000.
Here We Go Again: After a killing in the parking lot of a Laurel nightclub known as J’s (the third in two years), many want the club shut down, a la Jim Graham’s crusade against Club 1919. There’s no question that the club’s security (especially outside) needs to be addressed and a troublesome element needs to be dealt with, but somehow, some way, people always find a way to blame the music:
“Every Friday and Saturday night now, there are shots and shouts and sirens going off from midnight until 4 a.m. there,” said Dudley, who lives in an apartment complex across from J’s. “I hate to stereotype people, but this is the kind of problem that is associated with go-go music. It’s a problem in D.C. It’s a problem in Prince George’s County. It’s a problem everywhere with this music.”
VA Transportation Bill Could Have a Tough Week: For those keeping score at home, the huge transportation bill necessary to support several high profile transit and road improvements in Virginia passed the House last week. This week, it could be in for a tough fight in the 40-member Virginia Senate. While most lawmakers agree on the need for increased auto registration fees and diesel fuel taxes to fund the measure, the chamber remains divided on the use of $250 million from the commonwealth’s general fund – which is the same pot of money that funds schools, health care, and public safety. The lawmakers face a scheduled adjournment deadline of Feb. 24th.
Briefly Noted: The four schools that caused so much anger when broken heating forced their closure are ready to reopen for this week… DC police involved in two separate shootings this weekend, with one of the incidents ending in a 17-year-old’s apparent suicide… Montgomery County uses stunningly questionable technique to teach kids about STD’s… Maryland rulz!! Duke Suxx!!1!!1!
This Day in DCist: Last year, an Opinionist registered disgust at the memorial service-turned-Democratic pep rally, supposedly given to honor the passing of Coretta Scott King. In 2005 we took a look at DC’s ultra-conservative and bestselling Regnery Publishing.
Photo by Flickr user Bsivad.
