Photo by racoon81d

Good morning, D.C. The Washington Post’s Peeps Show Contest winners are up. Just in case you needed something else to distract you from doing actual work today.

Gray Speaks, Will Announce Mayoral Run Today: D.C. Council Chair Vincent Gray is going to go ahead and announce he’s a candidate for mayor later this afternoon. In the meantime, he’s talking to the Post: ‘”I really believe the city needs a style of leadership that can bring people together,” Gray said in an interview. “I’m running out of a sense of responsibility to the city.”‘

But what about Don Peebles? Is he definitely out of the race? Don’t bet on it. “Peebles told the Washington Examiner on Monday that he, too, will file as a candidate within two weeks unless something dramatic occurs.” Also City Paper.

D.C. Police and Fire Communications Down Overnight: D.C. police and fire communications went down for about five hours Monday night, as various outlets have reported. The problem started at about 7:15 p.m., and WRC/NBC4 says it was likely caused by an electrical issue at the main communication transmission facility on McMillan Drive. The city’s 911 service was not affected, and emergency responders were downplaying the issue last night. From the Post: ‘”It’s just a minor inconvenience,” said one police official, who declined to be identified. He said the loss of the radio system made matters “a little more difficult for us,” but had not affected police service.’

Briefly Noted: Chicago-to-DCA flight diverted to Dulles … DC Agenda covers Meghan McCain speech at GWU … Three homicides in Prince George’s over the weekend … Man arrested for rape, carjacking at Largo Town Center parking garage.

This Day in DCist: One year ago, the District’s unemployment rate was 9.9 percent.