Photo by geoff.greene

If you drive in to the District from Virginia, it might be too late to warn you that part of the Inner Loop near Falls Church has been closed due to a water main break. It’s set to re-open by noon today.

God v. D.C. Council, Round 1: Call it a case of over-playing your hand. This week’s announcement by the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington that it would have to suspend its charitable work in the District because of pending legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage hasn’t caused any of the city’s legislators to change their minds — in fact, they’ve become more resolute in their opinions. The Post reports that various council members are frustrated with the Archdiocese’s stance and willing to forgo their services — worth $18 to $20 million in public funds — instead of further amending the legislation. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), who is gay but who’s constituents benefit from services offered by Catholic Charities, tried on Thursday to find a compromise. After reviewing same-sex marriage laws in other states were the church did not suspend services, he decided there wasn’t one. “If the Catholic Church has been able to adjust in Connecticut, I think they can certainly adjust here,” Graham said to the Post.

God v. D.C. Council, Round 2: The Washington Times writes that the Archdiocese of Washington said Thursday that it would not extend benefits to same-sex couples employed in any of the 21 schools they run in the District. “If this law is passed, we will have to break the law before we give up our religion,” said archdiocese spokeswoman Susan Gibbs. This all comes to a surprise to Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large), who said that this is first he’s heard of the issue from the Archdiocese.

Evans Gets Bobblehead: Cute or creepy? WTOP is reporting that Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) had 100 bobbleheads of himself made to give out to friends and supporters. Evans used campaign funds to pay for the bobbleheads, hinting at a future campaign for chair of the D.C. Council that revolves more around swag and knick-knacks than it does policy issues.

Washington Times Bids Farewell to Solomon: The Examiner is reporting that after a week of awkward management shake-ups at the Washington Times, Executive Editor John Solomon has resigned. According to a Times spokesperson, Solomon is actually a week into his resignation — he apparently resigned (or was resigned) on November 6, before a number of executives were dismissed. Talking Points Memo has been digging into the story, and they’ve got some fascinating coverage worth reading.

Briefly Noted: D.C. police to check immigration status of inmates … Assets linked to Iran seized … Deal for Filmore Music Hall in Silver Spring signed … Listen to WTOP’s “The Politics Program” with Mark Plotkin today at 10 a.m. for…me!

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2008, former Mayor Anthony Williams fought crime, quite literally. In 2007, we were only starting to get a sense of how bad the Office of Tax and Revenue scandal was to become.