Photo by Karon
Good morning, Washington, and welcome to a relatively slow news day. Top story: former President Jimmy Carter implied that Rep. Joe Wilson is a racist. Not only will this elicit outrage from Wilson’s allies (his son helpfully points out that dad doesn’t even laugh at racist jokes), but, by hinting at the continued existence of racism, Carter’s remarks seem sure to upset a bunch of my fellow white people. Enjoy the stupid news cycle, everybody!
Fairfax Not Paying Its Public Defenders: Today’s Post has a troubling story indicating that Fairfax has been failing to pay court-appointed juvenile defenders even the shamefully low compensation that other Virginia municipalities offer. A number of lawyers are singling out Juvenile Court clerk Jennifer Flanagan for failing to send the necessary payment vouchers to Richmond. Flanagan claims she’s never heard of the problem, despite several lawyers’ claims that they’ve spoken to her about it directly.
Judge Lets Cora Masters Barry Hang On To Tennis Center: WJLA reports that Marion Barry’s estranged wife has won a victory in her fight with the city over the facility used by her organization, the Recreation Wish List Committee. The RWLC was evicted from a city facility in Southeast after losing its corporate status. Yesterday afternoon a judge declared that the city has a lease with the organization and can’t simply evict it. The most interesting tidbit: Masters Barry turned the mayor-for-life himself away from the hearing, apparently out of concern that his presence would be counterproductive.
Drug Ring Busted in Southern Maryland: DEA work has led to the indictment of twelve men in connection to a cocaine ring in St. Mary’s County, according to Fox 5. Among the accused is an MPD veteran who allegedly ran a high-stakes gambling ring for the dealers.
Briefly Noted: Fatal shooting in P.G. County… Beleaguered X1/2/3 customers will get a chance to vent… Children’s Hospital to receive $150m from Abu Dhabi… Local secretary plans to become king when she retires…
This Year in DCist: One year ago protestors disrupted a D.C. Council meeting. Trendsetting!
