Photo by Asaris1

Good morning, Washington. Though it’s felt like early summer for much the past week, it’s only now, officially, the first day of spring. It’ll be in the 70s again, today, with clouds and maybe a smattering of rain. Oh, and get your Exposed tickets if you haven’t done so yet! The show opens tomorrow.

Robble Robble: The number of robberies in the District is up by 30 percent in 2012, according to police statistics, a trend that has compelled the Metropolitan Police Department to refocus several resources, the Post reports. Police recorded 875 robberies through March 18, largely driven by a spike in incidents that occur at gunpoint. With D.C. showing a bigger increase in robberies than larger cities like New York and Philadelphia, it’s no wonder authorities have been so public in their approach toward beating back the spate of thefts. “We are putting everything we have into this,” Chief Cathy Lanier told the Post.

100 Grand: That’s how much Vince Gray’s 2010 mayoral campaign received from companies and individuals connected to Jeffrey Thompson, according to campaign finance documents analyzed by WAMU, including 11 money orders of $1,100 each. Those donations were made in the name of employees of Consolidated Waste Industries, a waste-removal company in Maryland.

Budget Crunch: The D.C. Council is expected to shoot down much of an $79.5 million emergency spending request from Mayor Vince Gray and instead only approve as much as needed to pay for the Ward 5 special election on May 15, the Examiner reports. The special election is only expected to cost $318,000. The District is also facing a $115 million shortfall for the fiscal 2013 budget, according to the mayor’s office. “This occurs over and over again,” Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) said at a Monday meeting.

Briefly Noted Justice Department to investigate shooting of Florida teen … House committee hearing on Eisenhower memorial today … Prince George’s County man fatally shoots his brother … Interstate 66 is a mess this morning … Apartments might be built at 13th and U instead of a planned hotel … National Cathedral to reopen clock tower, just for one day.

This Day in DCist: A year ago, details started emerging in the Lululemon Athletica murder in Bethesda. In 2010, well-known antiwar protester Cindy Sheehan was ordered by authorities to take down a tent she pitched on the National Mall. Presage things much?