Good morning, Washington. Well, it couldn’t last forever: this week’s temperatures are edging up after all. And while things are still relatively pleasant, tomorrow’s high of 98 still sounds unappealing to our recently-spoiled selves.
D.C. Goes After Posters: WJLA brings encouraging news for anyone who’s been sorry to see a lingering ad for a years-passed protest event: the city government is cracking down those who illegally post notices on traffic and utility boxes. Among the biggest offenders is ANSWER, the group responsible for many of the city’s largest anti-war protests and some of its most tenacious posters — they’re facing thousands of dollars in fines. ANSWER claims that the new enforcement is politically motivated.
Maryland Slots, Yet Again: A new report from O’Malley administration official Thomas Perez seems poised to reignite the slot machine gambling debate in Maryland. The AP, via WTOP, supplies the details: apparently Perez visited parking lots at gambling facilities in neighboring states looking for Maryland plates. This, combined with research that included interviews with gamblers, led him to estimate that Maryland is passing up $150 million of tax revenue by not allowing slots. The report also argues that slots would be an important bulwark against suburban sprawl, as they would prop up the horse racing industry which in turn occuppies rural land that would otherwise be developed. The Post has a writeup, too, albeit one that focuses more on the politics of the report than its Rube Goldberg homages.
Virginia Reinspects Bridges: In the wake of the tragic bridge collapse in Minnesota, Virginia is taking steps to reassure its residents that their bridges are safe, according to NBC4. Beginning August 11, new teams will be sent to re-certify eleven bridges throughout the state. The progress of the project can even be tracked online at what is no doubt an extremely boring website. No word yet on whether you can have bridge SMS updates sent to your phone.
Briefly Noted: Police warn of GPS thefts in Md… Summer blood shortage worse than usual (click here to find donation opportunities)… Second death from construction site hit & run…
This Day In DCist: One year ago we lamented national chains’ prominence on “Best of DC” lists and welcomed a triathlon to the nation’s capital — one that would eventually wind up being a biathlon (but without rifles and skis).
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user tjunedavis
