Good morning, D.C. We hope you’re not too groggy from staying up into the wee hours watching the inexhaustible analysis of last night’s two big speeches from the Democratic National Convention. And we hope you weren’t playing any drinking game that involved a shot for every time a pundit brought up the Huxtable family; if so, you’ll undoubtedly be nursing a nasty hangover. Are the talking heads working off the same pop culture reference cheat sheet? Stay tuned for more of our own coverage of the convention today, particularly with regard to the D.C. delegation’s place there.
Day One Report Card: The big story in the region appears to be yesterday’s return to school, which appears to have gone off without any major hitches. WTOP’s lead this morning is the opening of Montgomery County’s 138,000-student strong school system, complete with over 600 new teachers for a total of over 11,000 in the county. And in the District, no news is news in this case, as the Post reports on a “smooth first day” for D.C. public schools, something that was very much in doubt even just 24 hours ago. But all is not wine and roses in D.C., as NBC4 reported at the end of the day yesterday that Chancellor Michelle Rhee is willing to impose teacher reforms without union approval, and the union is responding that they’re willing to strike if need be.
The Path to a State’s Votes Lies Through its Delegation’s Seating: Virginia , usually written off by Democrats in Presidential politics, is a new battleground this year with Obama and McCain locked in a tight struggle in the state’s polls. The result? No more nosebleeds! The Washington Times has a story on the delight of the Virginia delegation at feeling the benefits of their state mattering this year, as they now find themselves with front row seats rather than practically being out in the parking lot with Wyoming and Oklahoma.
VDOT discusses HOT lane worst-case: As Virginia’s beltway HOT lane project continues, the state’s department of transportation is pondering the question of what to do if the program becomes too popular, WTOP reports. Since drivers will pay a fee to guarantee a minimum speed 45mph in the lanes during rush hours, what happens if so many people are willing to pay that things slow down? Raising the fee is one option, but if it turns out that money is no object for Virginia commuters, closing the lanes to additional traffic when speeds get too low is another option being considered.
Briefly Noted: Indictment handed down in Chinese delivery murder… Skins continue cutting their roster… Dangerous teen escapes from PG County psych ward… ACLU says MD police are holding back documents in their peace activist surveillance program …
This Day In DCist: One year ago we examined the development of Fairfax County. Three years ago we lamented the sorry state of the Nats. Same as it ever was.
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user sintixerr.
