Picture by laura padgett

It was eight years ago today that New York, Washington and Pennsylvania suffered the terrorist attacks that are said to have changed America, both inside and out. The further away we get from those events, the more they seem like an abstract memory and the more we find ourselves returning to the sense of normalcy that we may have felt on September 10, 2001. That’s probably a good thing. Being vigilant in a complex and dangerous world is important, but constantly being ready for the next attack to come may not have been terribly good for the country’s psyche. Policy opinions aside, today we remember the close to 3,000 people that lost their lives on 9/11. It was a tragic and difficult day, and though it becomes hazier with each passing year, it remains a day that affected us all.

Gay Marriage Bill Coming This Fall: This isn’t what Bishop Harry Jackson wanted to wake up to in his Maryland D.C. home today — the Post reports that the D.C. Council will likely consider a bill this fall legalizing same-sex marriages in the District. The measure, sponsored by Council member David Catania (I-At Large), already has nine co-sponsors and would allow same-sex couples to wed as of 2011. Of course, this being D.C., members of Congress will likely jump in to try and stop the measure from taking effect, likely with the support of national organizations opposed to marriage equality. And you may have guessed it, but Council member Marion Barry — the self-proclaimed “moral” politician on the council — is not amongst the bill’s supporters.

Fewer Hands on Deck for D.C. Police: Over the last two years Police Chief Cathy Lanier has made a big deal of her “All Hands on Deck” initiative, the weekends when every able-bodied officer hits the streets in a show of force. No more. The Examiner reports that an arbitrator has found that the initiative violates the officers’ contract, forcing Lanier to cancel any remaining “All Hands” weekends for the year and pay overtime for those that have already take place. The city can appeal the decision.

Metro Fare Hike Considered: Facing a $144 million budget shortfall for next year, Metro is considering raising fares, reports the Post. While the transit agency has long faced financial troubles, this is the first time in a few years that a number of board members — including D.C.’s Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) — have admitted that raising fares might have to happen.

Briefly Noted: Something tells me that the Post covered this because they find stories about poop as funny as anyone else … Rhee and teachers union closer to deal … Feds lay out proposals for restoring Chesapeake Bay.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2008, we couldn’t get enough of Roy Pearson’s pants. In 2007, it was Adrian Fenty, Man of the People.