Photo by dcemmy

>> A tractor-trailer rear-ended a firetruck in Prince George’s County this morning, reports WTOP. Seven people were injured in the accident that closed all but one lane of the Inner Loop, including four firefighters. One of the firefighters was reported to be in critical condition. Delays remained on the Beltway and Baltimore-Washington Parkway throughout the morning hours.

>> A measure that would allow welfare recipients in Virginia to be drug-tested was approved by a Senate panel yesterday, writes the Examiner. The bill was introduced last year and passed the full Senate, but it died in the House over concerns with its cost. Under the provisions of the revamped bill, the commonwealth’s 14,500 welfare recipients would have to be assessed for their risk of drug abuse, and potential users would be tested. If a recipient refused or failed a test, they would lose their benefits for a year.

>> Capitol Hill residents are aggressively protesting expansion plans for the coal-fired power plant used by the U.S. Capitol complex, reports the Washington Times. Councilmember Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) and nearby residents have expressed health concerns over living near the plant, and want it changed over to natural gas. The expansion has been put on hold while D.C. agencies take public comments.

Briefly Noted: Everyone wants to be able to walk everywhere … Police release photo of persons of interest in quintuple shooting at Northeast nightclub … Exhibit on dog fighting opens at D.C. museum … Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley to give State of the State speech today … Anne Arundel County Executive found guilty of misconduct.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2012, Occupy D.C. protesters dropped a tarp on the McPherson statue and Mayor Vince Gray and D.C. Council Chair responded to attempts to recall them. In 2011, we said goodbye to Metrobus’ paper passes.