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>> As area utilities struggle to get power back to the close to half-a-million households that lost it in the wake of Friday’s brutal storm, the Examiner reports that the waiting game may only be prolonged by storms that are expected to his the region this week. As Pepco and other utilities go to work, the National Weather Service has predicted thunderstorms for this week, with the strongest ones likely on Tuesday and Wednesday. In related news, WTOP has a list of all closings and delays for today.

>> It’s down to the wire in Loudoun County, writes the Washington Times, where county officials are set to vote this week on whether or not to opt into Metro Silver Line extension. Should they choose not to participate in the 23-mile, two-phase extension, the Silver Line will terminate at Dulles; if they agree to participate, the county will get two stations. Silver Line proponents argue that it would bring billions in economic development to the county, while opponents worry of the impact it would have on local taxes. If you haven’t already, read last week’s fantastic City Paper cover story on the divergent opinions on the merit (or lack thereof) of the Silver Line.

>> The spike in robberies that worried many D.C. officials and residents earlier in the year seems to have leveled off, reports the Post. Though robberies are up relative to last year, the increases are less severe—while robberies jumped 21 percent in March as compared to the year prior, in June they were only up eight percent. Through the end of June, 639 robbery arrests had been made.

Briefly Noted: Prince George’s County homicides half what they were last year … D.C. Department of Health director to take leave of absence to work on health care exchange … Inmates in Maryland to train service dogs for vets … D.C. DPW to pick up storm debris … Big Watergate leak takes place.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, D.C. started a move towards regulating tattooing and piercing and there was continued uncertainty in the city’s medical marijuana program. In 2010, D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier was forced to address rumors that she had covered up a domestic disturbance at Mayor Adrian Fenty’s home and a Virginia Republican had a brilliant solution for D.C.’s lack of voting rights—we should all just move.