Photo by wolfkann

>> D.C.’s many speed cameras generate a lot of revenue, but they also cost us money to operate: $52 million over three years, reports WTOP. Is that abnormally high? Probably not, but a recent report from the D.C. Inspector General found that the city improperly extended the contract to operate the cameras, likely costing taxpayers $9 million.

>> Even laying off employees to save money costs money, it seems. The Examiner reports that the University of the District of Columbia is asking the city for $4 million so it can pay the hefty union-mandated severances required to lay off faculty and staff members. The city’s only public university is planning on cutting seven departments, cancelling 24 majors and laying off 25 faculty members as a means of becoming a leaner operation. Mayor Vince Gray isn’t yet willing to hand over the money, though, saying that he’s waiting for more details on the university’s right-sizing plans.

>> A plan to promote D.C. statehood in state capitals across the country is on hold due to its sponsor’s loss in the recent election, writes the Washington Times. Councilmember Michael Brown (I-At Large) was the chief proponent of pushing statehood to legislatures across the U.S., but his recent loss to challenger David Grosso means that the initiative will have to be reassigned to someone else in order to survive.

Briefly Noted: Dunbar tops Anacostia in low-scoring Turkey Bowl … Turkey in a smoker causes Laurel home to catch on fire … Third theft of a cell phone this week reported in Dupont Circle … Montgomery County police step up patrols outside malls during the holidays.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, Euclid Street in Columbia Heights played host to an impromptu demolition derby and we dug up a police affidavit justifying the raid on Capitol Hemp. In 2010, the Columbia Heights IHOP opened its doors to the masses.