Good morning, Washington. Major international news this morning, as Fidel Castro has formally stepped down as the president of Cuba, ending one of the longest tenures in the world as a head of state. Castro, 81, has been suffering from a long illness associated with a colon infection, and gave temporary power to his brother, Raúl Castro, 76, in 2006. Whether his resignation actually sparks changes in Cuba’s system of government remains to be seen, and many experts appear to be skeptical as to whether Fidel will actually accept a less active role in governing the country. Still, the end of Castro’s reign over Cuba marks a significant day in world history. President Bush has called for the release of Cuba’s political prisoners.

District Tests New Mobile Parking Cameras: The District’s Department of Public Works is testing new mobile camera systems that would more easily allow officers to catch those who feed parking meters all day or stay parked in a restricted zone longer than they should. The Post describes the sensors as looking like devices straight out of Ghost Busters, which range in function from being able to record vehicle size, shape and color, to being able to read and record license plate numbers. DPW is looking for ways to free up spaces intended for shoppers that are instead occupied by commuters who feed the meter endlessly all day.

Virginia Delegates Try to Force New Bids on Dulles Rail: Two Republican Delegates in the Virginia House are trying to force Gov. Tim Kaine to re-open the Dulles rail project to new bids and essentially scrap the current plan in favor of starting over, reports the Examiner. A provision tacked on to a state budget bill, if passed, would force the Kaine administration to put the project out for new bids and restructure the 23-mile project’s first phase in an effort to make it more palatable to the Federal Transit Administration.

Briefly Noted: Three teens wounded in drive-by shooting at 7th and N Streets NW … Amtrak plans random screening of carry-on bags and increased security … Alexandria considers raising parking meter fees … Maryland man arrested Sunday for 2001 rape near D.C. … Driver in fatal drag race crash says he tried to stop.

This Day in DCist: In 2007 we were digging out of a snow and ice storm and pondering potential future uses for the Old Naval Hospital.

Photo by brents pix