Photo by Rukasu1

Good morning, Washington. The Examiner’s Scott McCabe has a good story this morning explaining the rationale for legislation introduced last week by Councilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) that would force party promoters to be licensed by the District and provide paid police details for their events. Currently, promoters can rent out a restaurant or club and use it without many restrictions, leading to violence like the shooting that occurred outside of Dupont Circle’s Heritage India a few weeks back. Promoters complain that any accusations should be leveled at the owners of the restaurants, not them.

The Do-Nothing D.C. Council?: Is the District’s legislature too distracted by scandal to get anything meaningful done? That’s what the Post’s Tim Craig explored on Saturday, writing that members of the D.C. Council have produced fewer pieces of landmark legislation this year than they did in prior sessions, in part because they’re distracted by ethical scandals but also because Mayor Vince Gray has yet to articulate any significant vision for the city.

Hundreds Use Farragut Crossing: In the month or so since it opened, a few hundred commuters a day are using the Farragut Crossing, a free transfer for SmarTrip users between the Farragut West and Farragut North Metro stations. According to the Examiner, an average of 454 commuters used the used the virtual tunnel during the first week of December. If that’s not particularly impressive sounding, it’s likely because the free transfer hasn’t been widely advertised.

Virginia Again Debates Gun Laws: After last week’s shooting at Virginia Tech, it looks like the Old Dominion will again be debating the wisdom of its gun laws, writes WTOP. But with the the commonwealth’s legislature going all Republican, the debate isn’t so much over more controls on guns — but rather fewer. Despite the two shootings at Virginia Tech over the last four years, the gun lobby is pushing harder than ever to make sure that Virginians can more easily purchase and carry guns, including on college campuses.

Briefly Noted: University of Maryland linebacker charged with disorderly conduct … Barricade situation leaves two officers injured, but ends peacefully for NW neighborhood … Now you get to watch the minutes tick by as you sit in traffic … U.S. Marshals searching for wanted Columbia Heights gang members … Concerns over gentrification isn’t only a D.C. thing … Choose your own (development) adventure on H Street NE … Get your news from a newsstand!

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2010, we looked back at the Uline Arena and Dunbar High School saw more turmoil. In 2009, there was a shakeup in Metro’s highest ranks and gay-friendly groups didn’t find a particularly warm welcome at Catholic University. In 2008, a Fox 5 reporter landed a big scoop when she bought herself a John McCain campaign Blackberry that hadn’t been erased.