It’s going to be one of those days we fear, Washington. Let’s just say some of us may have been up late last night watching the first Democratic presidential debate, others of us might have had a few too many while wandering the massive artDC fair opening, and overall we’re getting a sluggish start this morning. Not to mention that that thunderstorm is finally here, it’s Friday, and so far it’s shaping up to be an awfully slow news day. So, here’s a breezier-than-usual roundup. We hope you’ll allow us to mainline some espresso get back to you just as soon as we can get our eyes to properly focus on our computer screens. You know how it is. That’s why we love you.

Judge Overturns Ruling On Barry Probation: Yeah, who didn’t know this was coming. A federal judge has overturned the ruling that kept Council member and former mayor Marion Barry’s probation from being revoked. In March a lower court refused to jail Barry for violating his probation, but now U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Hogan has overturned that decision and ordered the case returned to court for a ruling on its merits. If the lower court judge agrees that Barry did violate his probation, he could end up in jail.

D.C. Spent Millions in Improper Disability Payments: A new report from the D.C. inspector general gets the WaPo treatment this morning, and it looks like the District has improperly paid as much as $4.4 million a year in disability compensation to city employees who had returned to work, had retired or were no longer disabled.

Briefly Noted: Alice Deal Junior High School principal under fire … Push for new powerlines in Mid-Atlantic.

Photo by terecico.