Photo by pablo.raw
Good morning, Washington. Mayor Vince Gray gives his State of the District tonight, but first, today will probably be full of more fallout from the news yesterday that 150 city employees are being investigated for taking home both their regular salaries as well as unemployment benefits.
Dirty Work: For adults without a college degree, Washington can be a rough place to find a good-paying job. But working as a city trash collector is one of them, the Post reports, and there are enviable aspects to it—short hours, great benefits, solid job security. One trash collector followed around by the Post’s Annys Shin is Maurice Queen, a 42-year veteran of of the city’s trash routes who runs a horse-rental business on the side, stemming from his days as a professional bull rider. They call him the “Pony Man.”
Skinny Boxes:: On Housing Complex, Lydia DePillis looks at tiny tract of land in an industrial part of Northeast that a developer wants to turn into a series of narrow townhouses. The number of houses planned has dwindled from 44 to 24 with more space being designated for parking spaces. “But it still looks like a nice project, with three stories on a small footprint and a pleasing backyard space between the homes,” DePillis writes.
Third Suspect: While more than 1,000 family members and friends paid tribute to slain civic activist Lenwood “Lenny” Harris yesterday, police in Prince George’s County arrested a third suspect in his death, WAMU reports. Harris’ body was found in a well in Fort Washington last month after he went missing last September. Harris, who lived in Alexandria, founded the nonprofit Operation HOPE. Police have said his slaying was apparently motivated by a robbery.
Briefly Noted: Former MoonHouse Speaker Newt Gingrich drops ballot challenge in Virginia primary … Gray and Kwame Brown are fighting over the District’s surplus … Montgomery County students handed “ex-gay” fliers … TBD reporter has the fanciest day ever … Jury selection resumes today in University of Virginia lacrosse murder trial … Two men found dead in New Carrollton this morning … The real estate listings are so much better in Bethesda.
This Day in DCist: A year ago, cranky fans far and wide voiced their support for the City Paper and Dave McKenna, and Tea Party darling Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) proposed no taxation with no representation for the District. In 2010, so much snow; seriously, so much snow. And just what the hell did they mean by ice dam?
