Good morning, Washington. The District is waiting this morning to hear a decision from Superior Court Judge Brook Hedge, who yesterday presided over a hearing on the merits of the lawsuit filed by a group of local taxicab drivers who call themselves the D.C. Coalition of Cabdrivers, Companies and Associations. The Post reports that Judge Hedge has yet to decide whether Mayor Adrian Fenty had the authority to order the switch to time-and-distance meters in D.C. taxis. The coalition has argued in its suit that the power should lie with the D.C. Taxicab Commission. Hedge told the lawyers in the case that she would make her decision as soon as possible. We’re waiting, your honor.

Oldest Metro Railcars Are Cracking: The Examiner reports that Metro’s oldest railcars have become so worn, their aluminum floors are cracking under the carpeting. Metro says the cracks pose no immediate safety risk to riders, and that when cracks are spotted, cars are pulled from service and the aluminum is welded back together. The old cars aren’t due to be replaced for at least five years. Have you seen any cracks on Metro?

Silliest Quote of the Morning: “It’s going to spunk us up,” Lastings Milledge told WTOP, referring to the effect he expects the new ballpark to have on Nationals players. This guy’s not exactly Gilbert Arenas, eh?

Briefly Noted: Man dead after suspicious courthouse fall … Police cruiser collides with car, crashes into Northeast shoe shop.

This Day in DCist: In 2007 we were bummed when voting rights legislation was delayed again, and in 2006 we interviewed New Republic editor Franklin Foer.

Photo by maxedaperture