Photo by Vileinist

Good morning, Washington. Straight to the news:

Virginia Isn’t For Drunk Drivers: Starting in July, Virginia will implement one of the strictest anti-drunk driving laws in the nation, reports the Post. The centerpiece of the new law is a massive expansion of the number of drunk drivers that will have to install blood-alcohol testing devices that can lock their car’s ignition—it’s estimated that some 18,000 people will be required to use them. While existing law only requires the devices for repeat offenders, the new law will expand their use to anyone who is slapped with driving restrictions after a DUI conviction. Proponents of the law say it’s an effective means to cut down on drunk driving recidivism, while critics say that the cost of the devices—$480, to be paid by the driver—is to burdensome on first-time offenders.

National Women’s History Museum Not Going Anywhere: Though it has been 16 years since the National Women’s History Museum was first proposed, the Huffington Post reports that its proponents have failed to identify a site for it, raise money to build it or even develop its educational programming. Worse yet, critics accuse the museum’s board of mismanagement and conflicts of interest. Even one of the museum’s most famous backers, actress Meryl Streep, seems to have some concerns over its lack of progress, though she still believes the museum is necessary.

Area Under Fire Warning: Not only have the first few months of 2012 been warmer than usual, but the little rain we’ve gotten recently has the area under a fire warning for the third straight day. WTOP reports that the National Weather Service has warned that dry conditions could create “explosive fire growth potential,” so maybe today isn’t the day to light that bonfire in your back yard or leave that open-top grill unattended.

Briefly Noted: Mayor Vince Gray, D.C. Council argue over $80 million in spending … D.C. school libraries face tough future … Maryland legislators work on tight deadline as close of session approaches … Talking heads get new perk: in-house studios.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, Donald Trump bought the Kluge Winery and Mayor Vince Gray was none-too-happy with a congressional budget deal that again sacrificed the District. In 2010, The Onion shut down the local version of the A.V. Club and D.C. launched a pay-by-phone parking pilot.