Photo by philliefan99.Good morning, Washington. Can you stay inside for 48 hours? It’s probably not a bad idea. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the D.C. area from noon to 9 p.m. today, as heat index values in the region could reach as high as 104. (It’s also a Code Orange day.) Guess what? Tomorrow’s looking even hotter, with heat index values reaching 108. Blech.
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Togo D. West Jr.: Mayor Adrian Fenty has nominated former U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs Togo D. West, Jr. to be the new chairman of the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics. The Council will convene a special session at some point before August 2 to vote on the emergency nomination. West recently co-led the Pentagon’s inquiry into the Fort Hood shootings, is a resident of Ward 3 and has voted in every general election since 2000, so he’s aware of voting concerns and issues. Sounds like he’s qualified — but will he pass muster? It sounds promising. Council Chairman Vincent Gray, who has clashed with Fenty on BOEE appointments for quite some time, said “I plan to act quickly on the nomination, recognizing time is of the essence as we look ahead to the upcoming elections,” adding that West “certainly has an outstanding background and reputation.” Gray will confer with Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) about West’s nomination. Of note: West did practice law at the same firm as Attorney General Peter Nickles, though Nickles said he was not involved in the selection.
Gray Snags FOP Endorsement: A big get for Vince Gray last night, as the D.C. chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police endorsed the challenger. D.C.’s FOP includes about 11,000 members, including not just MPD, but also U.S. Capitol Police and 100 other District and federal law enforcement agencies. Of course, it should be noted that Chief Cathy Lanier has still not yet personally endorsed a candidate.
Impounded Car With Dead Body In Trunk Was Towed…Twice: Eww. The dead body that was found in the trunk of an impounded Pontiac at the Blue Plains Impound Lot had been baking for ten days before it was found, according to police. The Pontiac was ticketed and towed from its original location on the 1000 block of 18th Street NW for a rush-hour violation; it was then brought to a lot on 15th Street NW. After three days, the Pontiac was brought to Blue Plains, where it sat for a week, until a worker noticed the rancid smell and called the cops. Chief Cathy Lanier told reporters that it was the first time she’d ever heard of MPD finding a dead body in an impound lot — we’re just amazed that, in this weather, it took ten whole days for someone to notice what surely must have been one pungent odor coming from the car’s trunk.
Briefly Noted: Lottery for primary ballot position at noon today…Multiple-car crash injures seven at the intersection of South Dakota Avenue and Gallatin Street NE last night…Three injured on Ocean City roller coaster…Baltimore doesn’t approve of Wale’s potty-mouth…A taste of what Michael Bay will bring to D.C. when Transformers 3 films here later this fall…Anne Arundel County mosquitoes test positive for West Nile…Apparently, it’s hot enough to melt asphalt.
This Day In DCist: Last year, the AP actually produced a worthy report from the tired “National Mall is in serious disrepair” peg; in 2008, Smith & Wesson announced a “commemorative” handgun to celebrate the decision in the Heller case.
