Good morning, Washington. To quote Homer Simpson: it’s windy as hell out there! Or it was, anyway. Our hats go off to those that attended and participated in yesterday’s Drag Race (about which we’ll have more later in the day) despite the cold, breezy conditions. The local news was full of pictures of toppled trees last night — if an errant gust had hit a runner we have no doubt that the resulting tumble would have been just as spectacular.

Fatal Shooting in Columbia Heights: We haven’t got a link for you yet, but MPD Third District Inspector Edward Delgado sent the following out to the MPD 3D email list last night:

On October 28, 2008, 7:51 PM members from the Third District responded to the 2800 Block of 11th Street, N.W. for the sounds of gunshots. Upon the officers arriving on the scene they observed a black male lying on the ground with no vital signs. This matter is being investigated by our violent crimes branch as a homicide. If anyone has information please contact our tip line on 202-727-9099 or text on #50411

Fenty Proposes Budget Cuts: The mayor has taken the first steps toward closing the anticipated budget gap facing the city, and the Examiner has the details. The cuts total $52 million, or 40 percent of the shortfall — it’ll now be up to the council to come up with the rest. According to the article, Fenty’s cost-saving measures include things like hiring freezes and delaying the start of programs such as Healthy DC. MPD takes the biggest budgetary hit, at $4m.

Sentence in Gallery Place Movie Piracy Case: You might remember the news from back in August that a Baltimore man was pleading guilty to recording a movie at Gallery Place with the goal of later selling copies of it. Well, WJLA brings word that he’s now received his sentence: 21 months, which is squarely in the middle of the sentencing guidelines for the crime.

Briefly Noted: Seventeen year-old fatally shot Monday night is identified, incident called a robbery… New York Ave. water main problems affected yesterday’s evening commute, too… Environmental coalition announces its intent to sue EPA over state of Chesapeake Bay… Montgomery County executive says he won’t abide by council-imposed limitations on his ability to seek grants… Worker killed by collapsing trench at construction site in Arlington… Maryland police bust catalytic converter theft ring…

This Day In DCist: One year ago the fight for zombie rights came to the Washington Monument and a taxi strike loomed.

Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user graemebshaw