Photo by afagen

>> D.C. took in $84 million in traffic camera fines in the fiscal year that just ended, a significant jump from the $55 million it collected the year prior, writes the Examiner. The sheer amount going to D.C. coffers will likely complicate debate over legislation that proposes lowering most speeding fines to $50; legislators would have to make up for the money that the cameras are expected to make under current rates in order to pass the bill proposed by Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) and Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3).

>> Mayor Vince Gray and officials at George Washington University broke ground on a new 35,000-square-foot museum that will be build on the Foggy Bottom campus, reports WTOP. The museum will serve as the new home for the Textile Museum, feature a collection of historical D.C. maps and documents and house the university’s collection of fine art.

>> Watch what you say on Maryland buses, people. WAMU reports that the Maryland Transit Administration has started recording conversations between drivers and passengers. Transit officials say that the move is ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers, while critics say it violates their privacy.

Briefly Noted: How about that Inner Loop commute this morning? … Montgomery County considering new smoking bans … Kaine, Allen go head to head in final debate … D.C. medical marijuana program still proceeding slowly … Virginia health official resigns over new abortion clinic regulations … D.C. Deputy Mayor for Education moving on up to New York … Things aren’t looking good for a D.C. ballot initiative to ban corporate donations to campaigns.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, D.C. remained a vegetarian stronghold and the D.C. government posted a quick test on ethics. In 2010, the feds affirmed photographers’ rights.