Good morning, D.C. A daytime homicide yesterday at 14th and Newton NW — the third in three days within a one-mile radius — has officials like Councilman Jim Graham worried about more retribution killings before the New Year. The District’s homicide totals for the year are about on par with last year — 177 this year, compared to 175 in 2007. If Graham’s fears are legitimate, and that number inflates, it could further the already wide gap between the District and her neighbors — most of whom are seeing steep declines in their homicide rates. Baltimore, Richmond, and even Philadelphia — with a police force led by ex-MPD Chief Charles H. Ramsey — have seen decreases of at least 17% in homicides so far in 2008. Is the slight rise a serious mark on Chief Cathy Lanier and her often-controversial policing tactics, or is it simply a coincidence?

On the brighter side this morning:

>> The Prez was in a giving mood yesterday — a large chunk of governmental workers should get the day after Christmas off from work.

>> The Post’s David A. Fahrenthold makes it through a whole piece on the infamous scent of the ginkgo tree without using the term “jizz aroma.” (To his credit, I suppose.)

>> “I got a lot of problems with you people!” A DCist tipster tells us that many grievances will be aired today at the Adams Morgan Festivus pole, located at 18th and Columbia NW. Go get some free hot chocolate and coffee and channel your inner Frank Costanza.

Photo by erin m.