Good morning, D.C. So… how ’bout that largest bank failure in U.S. history? It’s hard even to wrap our heads around what that means, but you know things are really grim when The New York Times goes with “Day of Chaos” as the most accurate descriptor of what the government was up to yesterday. And just to add even more uncertainty to today, you guessed, it, we still don’t know for sure whether there will be a debate tonight or not. Obama has said he’s going to be there; McCain says he still hasn’t decided if he’s going to show up.

Primary Election Results Certified: The DCBOEE has finally certified the Sept. 9 primary election results, and as expected, none of the outcomes of any of the races have changed. But it’s increasingly clear that the board actually has no idea what happened to cause the early returns to show some 1,500 over votes. The Post reports that they still have no explanation or report regarding a single defective cartridge at precinct #141. They were able to certify the election results after conducting an audit of four randomly chosen precincts and a manual recount of precinct #141.

Protest Against Franklin Shelter Closure: The word went out late yesterday that Mayor Fenty was planning on closing the Franklin Shelter for good today, despite a bill passed by the D.C. Council demanding that the mayor come before them to give details about his plan before it is closed. So about 150 people showed up at 13th and K Streets NW last night to protest (pictured), disrupting traffic in the process. But no one from Fenty’s office has yet confirmed that the shelter is closing today.

Briefly Noted: Audit shows D.C. boiler inspections lacking, leaving public at risk … Federally mandated sewage plan lacks federal funding … Majority of Marylanders support slots … Man shot in attack on police officer had a “spiked weapon,” has been charged.

This Day in DCist: In 2007, we took a closer look at D.C.’s Marvin Gaye Park, and in 2006, we wished Metro offered monthly passes.

Photo by vassieux