Civil rights leaders like Rev. Al Sharpton, Martin Luther King III and others are gathering with supporters on Freedom Plaza at 10 a.m. this morning to march to the Justice Department in a “March Against Hate Crimes.” NBC4 says that organizers hope the march will bring attention to racism and recent hate crimes against African Americans that have been popping up around the country. The march was also designed to bring attention to the Jena…

On Friday the Washington Post ran a story about the city’s plans to step up their graffiti removal tasks after a recent rash of tagging in Wards 1, 2 and 4. The graffiti began appearing six to eight weeks ago, stretching from the Logan and Shaw neighborhoods to communities in upper Northwest along Georgia Avenue and 13th and 14th streets. Banneker Community Center near Howard University, under renovation, was among the places hit. But the…

We were happy, last week, to welcome Queen Elizabeth II to town. The trip was her first the colonies States in 16 years, the occassion a commemoration of the founding of the Jamestown settlement in 1607. Hundreds turned out for her appearance, demonstrating once again America’s fascination with British royalty, despite throwing off the yoke of their rule over 200 years ago. Perhaps the American interest in the monarchy stems from wondering about what life…

Former Editor-in-Chief Ryan Avent writes a weekly column about neighborhood and development issues. It isn’t particularly surprising, I suppose, that in Zachary Schrag’s Metro history The Great Society Subway the role of central city savior is played by, you know, Metro. What is somewhat surprising, even to an unapologetic transit supporter like me, is how convincing his case is; faced with riot scarred neighborhoods and a downtown abused by suburban office and retail growth, the…

We’re suckers for a good action photo. This one from Cary Scott Photography, shows one of Washington’s infamous motorcades flying up our streets. And–ahem–we as voteless taxpayers of the District pay for that security. This photo also reminds us that some high-ranking folks are visiting us! Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of England are touching down in Richmond this afternoon, and will be coming to Washington as part of their trip. Curiously, Her…

>> Metrobus driver and five passengers injured in bus crash. No charges filed. [NBC4] >> One blogger navigates the D.C. real estate auction, hears great things about 7th St. [Gallery Place Living] >> A little relief is on the way to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in the form of the new Warrior Transition Brigade, a group of combat veterans whose mission is to help wounded soldiers navigate the military medical bureaucracy. Now only…

There’s nothing like a little good old waste, fraud, and abuse, to get Washington all riled up! The world of transit in the nation’s Capital was rocked by two reports this week, which point to several examples of all three. Let the fallout begin! Also this week: Metro parking goes high-tech and low-frustration. Finally, brace yourself, Washington… The much ballyhooed Metro performers – songsters, dancers, and jugglers galore – are coming to a station…