Photo by javajanie

Good morning, Washington. If you work for the federal government and are at work right now, you probably missed the news — the icy conditions have delayed the normal work day by two hours today. The District government, though, is open for business as usual. If you’re coming in late, don’t worry — Metro has said that it’s expanding rush hour service for today to account for the delayed opening.

Smithsonian Security Raises Questions: The Examiner reports today that security at the Smithsonian Institution’s many museums is a mixed bag, with some doing a better job of screening those that enter than others. In some cases, the article found, bag searches and checks of meter detectors as visitors walked through did not happen consistently, leaving some to fear that the city’s museums are being left vulnerable. For some analysts, though, the random nature of the searches is actually better and more effectively balances the need for security with the desire of accessibility.

Costco Expands in Region: If you love shopping at Costco, you’ll have more options in the near future. The Post reports on the mega-retailer’s expansion throughout the region, noting that three new stores will be opening in the next two years — one in Northeast D.C., one in Alexandria and one at the Westfield Wheaton mall in Montgomery County. No, it’s not as impressive as Wal-mart’s growth — it has six stores coming to D.C. alone — but Costco usually has a bigger footprint that requires store officials to be pickier about where they locate.

National Mall Capital Bikeshare Stations Racing to Open: Over the weekend WTOP reported that five Capital Bikeshare station planned for the National Mall may be up and running in time for the centennial Cherry Blosson Festival, which kicks off in late March. If the stations come to pass, it would mark a dramatic reversal for the National Park Service, which only a few months ago said that bikesharing would somehow go against the spirit and heritage of the mall.

Briefly Noted: Maryland legislator introduces anti-D.C. rat law … Hearings on John Hinckley’s mental state to continue … Some tips on how to house-hunt on Craigslist … Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-At Large) digs into D.C. boxing controversy … Family of slain D.C. resident drop lawsuit against city, file instead against group home … Arlington property values keep rising.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, two police officers were indicted for taking money to protect a liquor store and we looked back at the Adams Building, the current site of the International Spy Museum. In 2010, it was time for the annual March for Life.