Photo by slack13
Good morning, Washington. Today’s news seems sure to be centered on the horrific earthquake that struck Haiti late yesterday afternoon. Throughout the day I’m sure we’ll all hear more about the extent of the devastation and how individuals can help — for now, the Red Cross’s website seems like it’s probably a good place to start.
Local Budget Woes: Closer to home, today’s local news is full of now-familiar stories about area governments grappling with budget shortfalls. Loudoun schools are increasing class sizes and counting on additional funds; Fairfax is freezing its executives’ salaries for a second year; and Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William County governments are complaining about the suspension of a funding formula that disadvantaged Northern Virginia counties in good times, but would mean more state funding for them now — except for the suspension (the counties are threatening legal action — of course, the state’s budget situation is also dire).
P.G. Rolls Back Speed Camera Plan: The merits of speed cameras are open to debate, but this article from the Post shows that the motives of the politicians pushing them probably shouldn’t be. Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson is scaling back a speed camera deployment plan after realizing that vendors would keep nearly all the ticket revenue generated by the cameras. Suddenly the tickets would be a burden on citizens, and the safety benefits used to sell the cameras to the county council are no longer being discussed. To their credit, council members seem a bit miffed by all this, having gone to bat for the cameras with Maryland’s legislature.
Briefly Noted: Another water main break, this time in Adams Morgan… Fatal shooting in Southeast… Washington Aqueduct changing type of chlorine used to treat drinking water in order to minimize security risks… 18 year-old murder victim found in Brookeville has been identified …Glenn Ivey announces he won’t be challenging Donna Edwards for her seat in the House… Man accused of stealing $107k from church in N.E…. Judge rules that Va. Tech parents’ lawsuit can proceed (for the most part)… Redskins hire Jim Haslett as defensive coordinator, making team odds-on favorite to win the 2010 offseason… Good news for your sister’s awful boyfriend: UFC debuts in Virginia… LaVar Arrington being sued over debts from closure of local restaurant…
This Day In DCist: One year ago everyone was getting excited about the inauguration — so excited, in fact, that President Bush declared a state of emergency.
