Good morning, Washington. Here at DCist, we pride ourselves on providing a forum for law-abiding citizens to discuss issues facing our city, like development and crime, in as open and honest a manner as possible. We may give you our opinions from time to time as a way to get the ball rolling (OK, all the time), but we’re always open to hearing from those of you who disagree. Except for right now. Anyone…

Good morning, Washington. Today will be another beautiful day – mostly sunny, with highs in the lower 80s. Believe it or not, today is our first birthday. Yes, it was one year ago today when DCist officially launched. To celebrate, we’ve planned a little birthday party next week. Before then, however, is a Katrina Benefit Concert we’re sponsoring at American University this Friday featuring local acts Gist, Cartel, Paul Michel, RPM, Laura Burhenn and Army…

Opinions may vary on the late Chief Justice William Rehnquist, but in terms of local politics, he was a staunch supporter of voting rights for District residents. Thanks to the folks at DC Vote, who today issued a press release honoring Rehnquist, we find that the Chief Justice, while U.S. Assistant Attorney General in 1970, argued the following: The need for an amendment [providing representation for the District] at this late date in our history…

Washington is a city of symbols, be they of democracy, of death, of individual achievement, or of power. The District, while serving as a vibrant home to 600,000 residents, doubles as a reflection of America’s resolve and commitment to the country’s founding principles and those who have fought for them over the last 200 years — Lincoln, Jefferson, Washington, Roosevelt, and legions of soldiers and civil rights activists that have furthered the cause of…

CNN is reporting that Chief Justice William Rehnquist was hospitalized last night, complaining of a fever. This comes on the heels of last Friday’s rampant rumors that the Chief Justice was to announce his retirement. There has been no updated word on Justice Rehnquist’s condition. Rehnquist has been going through treatment for thyroid cancer, and had a tracheotomy in 2005. He is currently at Arlington Hospital….

OK, so there isn’t a specific D.C. angle other than it takes place here, but this is pretty monumental news in the larger scheme of things. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, today announced her resignation, the first in over 10 years and one likely to set up what is sure to be a long and brutal battle between conservative factions looking to reign in “judicial activism”…