Photo by AWard Tour

>> You know who’s good at catching criminals? The cops, but they’ve gotten an assist from the Examiner, which announced yesterday that it had helped nab its 50th fugitive. The tabloid’s success—which came via tips that poured in after mugshots were posted in the “Most Wanted” feature—even received plaudits from U.S. Attorney for D.C. Ron Machen, who said, “The Washington Examiner and its readers have done a tremendous public service in helping law enforcement bring fugitives to justice.”

>> So much for Christmas cheer, huh? The Post reported yesterday that some Metro commuters aren’t all too enthused with a man who sings carols on trains during the morning rush two days a week. While Fisher Yang caroling might annoy some, it’s certainly not against the rules, and Metro officials say they have no plans of stopping it.

>> A man scheduled to testify against two men in a murder trial was shot and killed yesterday in Prince George’s County, reports the Washington Times. While police are still investigating whether the killing was directly linked to the upcoming testimony, one thing is for sure: the murder was made even more brazen by the fact that the victim was holding a two-year-old child when he was shot. The toddler was struck in the arm.

Briefly Noted: Yes, “Experts: World probably won’t end on Friday” is a headline today … Lottery contract questions and controversies bedevil Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) … Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) becomes first woman to chair Senate Appropriations Committee … Virginia proposes new north-south corridor in Loudoun and Prince William counties … Maryland legislators propose gun control measures.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) was the sole vote against a proposed ethics bill and D.C. legislators again debated updating the city’s shoveling law. In 2010, no Republican stepped up to push us around.