Photo by Bill Jones Jr.

Good morning, D.C. Did anyone experience any delays this morning due to the IMF/World Bank protests? The AP (via WTOP) is reporting that the crowd of protesters — numbering around 100 — attempted to block off two intersections earlier this morning, but were quickly cordoned back to the sidewalk by police. Looks like things are moving smoothly so far, but obviously, you’ll want to take note of these street closures and parking restrictions which are in effect for most, if not all, of the weekend.

Oh, and if you are heading out, wear something light — weatherpeople are predicting that temps could potentially top 90 both today and tomorrow. Today’s record high at Dulles — 88 degress set in 1994 — is officially on notice.

In other news this morning:

>> Alexander Ovechkin scored one of the sweetest goals you’ll see this year (and Matt Bradley pitched in a couple of beauties for his first-ever playoff goals) to lead the Caps to a 4-0 victory over the New York Rangers, staying alive in their opening round Stanley Cup playoff series.

>> Ugh. A Maryland man pleaded guilty to assault and a civil rights violation yesterday after admitting that in an attempt to “to intimidate,” he made a noose and showed it to an African-American pipe fitter working at the Pentagon in 2006. William Michael King, the defendant, claimed he was joking; the prosecution’s statement that the victim’s neck was wrapped in the noose and that he was then dragged into a storage area contradicted that defense.

>> “[gasps] A counterfeit jeans ring operating out of my car hole!”