Photo by martha_jean.Good morning, Washington. Are you freaking out about the stock market? Worried that the District’s status as an unemployment enclave will fade due to the federal government’s money troubles? Have faith in the private sector! At least that’s what the Examiner is prescribing, citing a report by a consulting firm that says that private employers around the District will pick up their game. (Here’s hoping.)
Strasburg Returns: Stephen Strasburg’s still got it — at least, all signs point that way. Strasburg took the mound for the first time in a competitive game since blowing out his elbow at the end of last summer, tossing 31 pitches in a game for the Nationals’ Class A affiliate in Hagerstown. Strasburg struck out two batters on fastballs that still hit the high 90s, though he did allow three hits, including a home run in his 1 2/3 innings of work. If all goes according to plan, Strasburg could be back with the Nats in early September. Here’s the blow-by-blow from the Post’s Dave Sheinin, while We Love DC made a day of it in Washington County.
Verizon Workers Strike: Unionized contract workers for Verizon Communication’s landline, television and Internet divisions went on strike over the weekend to protest concessions the company is asking employees to make. Verizon says that cuts in the company’s landline business will necessitate cuts to the union’s benefits; the union counters that the threat seems fairly shallow coming from an organization which is drawing billions in profits this year. The strike, which involves 45,000 workers along the east coast, is not expected to have a large impact on service, however.
No Constituency Funds In Ward Politics: That’s the argument made by the Washington Post’s editorial board, which says that constituent service funds — much like Yvette Alexander’s, which was recently probed by the city’s Office of Campaign Finance — are too easy to abuse. “In essence, the funds, which have become entrenched in D.C. politics, are second campaign accounts that can be used with broad discretion,” writes the board, “Council members who say that ethics reform will be a priority after the summer recess would do well to start with an examination of these pernicious accounts.” Of course, we’re curious if whether the Post is prepared for the consequences of getting rid of such funds — wouldn’t most politicians likely just raise the same money, but shed the in-place requirement to report what they’re spending said money on?
Briefly Noted: “A lot of DC citizens are feeling discouraged and disheartened about political conditions in the city. There is a simple way to feel better; it is to change those conditions by changing our politicians. … In fact, it’s almost too late. Get that name out there.”…Police find four dead in Anne Arundel home after getting report of disturbing text message…I-95 completely shut down after crash involving VDOT vehicle…Collapse of retaining wall causes late night stress in Arlington…Double shooting in Capitol Heights…Two killed in small plane crash in Warrenton…There’s treasure everywhere.
This Day in DCist: Last year, we drudged up some details on a massive brawl which broke out inside multiple Metro stations and trains; in 2008, a report suggested D.C. restaurants should be forced to post food safety letter grades, and a local boxer lost his Olympic chance.
