Good morning, Washington. How’s spring treating you? We’re pretty pleased with how things have been shaping up this week. Not everyone’s as sanguine about it, though: we were surprised to hear last night’s FOX5 newscast include some newscaster banter whining about the heat. Well, relax Mr. Bolter. Today will be cooler, although it’ll end with rain.

City Agencies Flee Downtown: Traffic and parking are concerns, but it’s skyrocketing property values that are spurring many city agencies to leave downtown, according to NBC4. MPD HQ and the transportation, employment and consumer affairs departments are among those leaving the heart of the city for cheaper digs in Anacostia, Northeast and Southwest. We’re assured that core city services like the courts will be staying put, however.

Kaine Intends To Close Gun Loophole: That’s what he said in a radio interview with WTOP yesterday, according to the Post. VT gunman Seung-Hui Cho was able to purchase firearms even after being declared a danger to himself by a court — the fact that he wasn’t involuntarily committed to an institution prevented the legal system’s determination that he was a danger to himself from coming up when he bought his guns. Governor Kaine intends to issue an executive order that would make this information available and relevant during firearm background checks. His staff is currently working to determine whether such a measure would require legislative approval.

Briefly Noted: Police still looking for hit & run driver… Hains’ Point sculpture sold, to be moved to Maryland… Duck bus collides with minivan… School janitor charged with sexual battery of a minor… Maryland passes environmental legislation…

This Day In DCist: One year ago we debuted Inside the House and fretting about gas prices. Two years ago we drafted some unofficial rules for Metro riders and wondered what the new stadium would be named.

Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user gbmcinephoto