Photo by slightlyworn

Good morning, Washington. Last week we discussed the many unintended consequences of this late-winter heat wave, and today WJLA reports on another—fruits and vegetables at local farms are weeks ahead of where they should be. Now, it might seem awesome that local apricots and peaches might be showing up at local markets much sooner than usual, but farmers are concerned that they could lose their entire crop if a freeze hits in the next few weeks.

Use of Money Orders Becomes Scandal Du Jour in D.C.: With last week’s news that the U.S. Attorney for D.C. had subpoenaed documents from any candidate or elected official that had ever received campaign contributions from businessman Jeffrey Thompson, the city’s ever-evolving scandal machinery shifted to a new target—money orders. The Post summarizes what has become a troubling and controversial use of money orders to funnel tens of thousands of dollars to local campaigns and possibly skirt individual contributions limits. Thompson is at the heart of the growing scandal, with thousands of dollars worth of money orders made out to all types of D.C. candidates. The problem is that while many of the money orders were supposedly provided by different people, many were bought at the same locations around town and are sequentially numbered, hinting that one person could be using friends’ name to avoid the $2,000 individual contribution limits.

D.C. Water Covered Up Extent of Lead in Water: A report by the D.C. Inspector General has found that the city’s water provider failed to test homes with elevated levels of lead in their water as a means to cover up the extent of the problem, reports the Examiner. During the 2001 crisis, DC WASA—the agency was renamed to DC Water in 2010—tested homes known to have low levels of lead in their water while avoiding the homes with potentially higher levels, leading to intentionally misleading reports that were given to the D.C. Council, EPA and public.

Prince George’s County Pushes for Casino: Prince George’s County officials are pushing the Maryland General Assembly to amend the state’s constitution to allow a new $1 billion casino at the National Harbor, reports The Washington Times. Slots were legalized in Maryland in 2008, but so far only two slots parlors have opened. County officials argue that a casino at the National Harbor could bring in up to $40 million a year in needed revenue. (Gambling proponents should go ahead and read the cover story in yesterday’s The New York Times Magazine.)

Briefly Noted: D.C. public schools work to combat bullying … Arlington may lose transportation funds over HOT lawsuit … Minivan hits Brookland building … Best St. Patrick’s Day story: drunk man drives car on to train tracks, tow truck and car subsequently hit by train … Maryland debates legalizing gambling on fantasy sports.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, a dog rescue group started raising money to buy Michael Vick’s former Virginia home. In 2010, we wondered if the amount of chlorine in D.C. water had gotten worse.