Photo by B. Thomas

>> Drunk driving charges against the former head of the FAA were dropped yesterday after a judge in Fairfax County ruled that police had no legitimate reason to stop Randy Babbitt last December, writes WTOP. Video shown in court showed that Babbitt hadn’t done anything illegal when he was stopped, and a breathalyzer test only came back above the legal limit after multiple attempts. Babbitt resigned his government post after the arrest.

>> Well this is downright terrifying. The Post reports that Michael Davis, who stands accused of killing a tourist in Petworth with a hammer along with a number of other related attacks in the neighborhood, had asked about buying a gun in the days before his violent crime spree. Davis has reportedly suffered from mental problems, and witnesses say he also used PCP in the past. He’s due in court today.

>> Even though it seems that the D.C. Council has found some middle ground on letting D.C. bars stay open later, the Washington Times reports that Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) is still keen on proposing an increase to the city’s alcohol excise tax. His proposal, which could add up to six cents to the cost of a drink and would raise $20 million annually, is being strongly opposed by the liquor lobby, local brewers and bars and restaurants.

Briefly Noted: Hey look, there’s a Caps bar in New York! … No drones for D.C., says Police Chief Cathy Lanier … Thursday’s Red Line delays were caused by problems with third rail … Mayor Vince Gray proposes compromise on health care program for undocumented immigrants … Man gets life sentence for killing Maryland State Trooper … Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley wants legislature to focus only on budget during special session … Long-standing Red Line graffiti disappears … D.C. police official close to Lanier reportedly fails drug test.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, Google Maps finally added Metro stations and Spike Mendelsohn called D.C. a “second-tier city.” In 2010, Vincent Orange returned to D.C. politics and a delivery truck crashed into the Hirshhorn.