Photo by mmcdonnell
Good morning, Washington, and happy St. Patrick’s Day, if you like that sort of thing. I have to admit not being a huge fan of the holiday: a tendency to forget the occasion means that as a kid I was always caught by surprise by the merciless pinching penalty enacted on those at the bus stop who neglected to wear green; more recently my complaints involve hearing the same Dropkick Murphys song ten times in a night and watching people consume Irish carbombs (shudder). But if you’re planning to celebrate the patron saint of paralegals, don’t let me get you down — have fun, and remember that putting an occasional Pogues song on the jukebox wouldn’t kill you.
Accident Closes BW Parkway: Yikes. WTOP is reporting that a fatal accident has caused all southbound lanes of the Baltimore Washington Parkway to be closed near Powder Mill Road — northbound lanes were only reopened at 8.
Graham Questions Vehicle Inspection Policy: It’s been less than a year, but WJLA reports that Jim Graham is already having second thoughts about the decision to end safety inspections for cars registered in the District. Cars are still subject to emissions requirements, but the article makes clear that inspectors are wary of the safety implications of letting brakes and other crucial systems go unchecked. The actual quotes from Graham don’t go as far as calling for a reversal of policy, but it’ll be worth keeping an eye on this.
Cash for Grades Program Gets More Funding: Yesterday we mentioned that the District program that provides as much as $50 per week to high-achieving students was in danger of running out of cash, thanks to students’ increased performance. Never fear! WTOP reports that yesterday the D.C. Council voted to give it another $255k of funding.
Briefly Noted: D.C. voucher program seems to be on its way out… National Geographic Museum extends hours, adds more tickets for end of terra cotta warriors exhibit… Va. Governor McDonnell donating $100k of leftover inaugural funds to charity… Fairfax man arrested for shining laser pointer at police helicopter… Va. state employees will not have their Viagra benefits cut after all… No injuries from yesterday’s fire in Dupont… Northbound lane of GW Parkway will be closed between 10 and noon… Shockingly, Frederick won’t be seceding after all… Arrests made in connection to bank robbery cases…
This Day In DCist: One year ago the fountains at the White House were dyed green and we were enjoying D.C.’s new DTV options.
