Photo by Jon Grant

>> The latest development in the Post’s investigation of how the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue systematically altered the tax assessments of hundreds of commercial properties to result in more favorable tax bills for developers and property owners shows that power to do so was concentrated in a handful of managers. The Post obtained an audit of the tax office’s practices, revealing “a ‘significantly flawed’ system in which supervisors can access property records and alter them without being detected.”

>> Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is getting ready for his close-up. McDonnell might have been an also-ran in Mitt Romney’s vice-presidential search, but he’s still primed for a major speaking role at next week’s Republican National Convention as he starts to plan his post-gubernatorial career. But, a George Mason University professor tells WAMU, “Everybody remembers the transvaginal ultrasound controversy.”

>> Southwest D.C. is an ugly relic of the urban renewal era, but the architect Bing Thom might be the man to save it, Kriston Capps argues in this week’s Washington City Paper cover story. Thom designed the new Arena Stage, and is hatching other designs for smart living in a quadrant scheduled for a major facelift.

>> Briefly Noted: D.C. goes to Burning Man … Bryce Harper might need a break to shake off hitting slump … Albrecht Muth renews his hunger strike … Bath salts are all the rage with the kids these days … Chuck smells trouble for Councilmember Michael A. Brown (I-At Large).

This Day in DCist: Last year, well, you know what happened year ago todayaeihpewhogaa. Two years ago, Tai Shan, clueless breeder that he is, tried to get in shape for sex.