Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) has decided not to seek the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) next year. The Post is reporting that Davis will announce formally on Thursday what his plans are, but sources have indicated that he won’t look to take on a number of potential Republican contenders or former Governor Mark Warner for the seat. Davis reportedly doesn’t want his run to overshadow a tough re-election contest faced by…

Even though the U.S. Senate is known as the best retirement home in America — great healthcare, plenty of daily activities, and people continue to pay attention to you for some reason — Virginia Sen. John Warner announced today that come next year, he’s out. And while his announcement is big news, even bigger is the fight that’s about to come to replace him. Consider the circumstances. The commonwealth is a political toss-up these days….

While fans of Italy’s soccer squad celebrated their team’s World Cup victory, District residents yesterday braced at the news of two brutal killings over the weekend. While this isn’t the first time that a weekend has yielded a number of violent deaths, the victims involved remind us how random the violence can often be. As with all of these deaths, our thoughts go out to the friends, family, and neighbors affected. British Politician Murdered in…

While Washington is embroiled in scandal over lobbyist-funded junkets and gifts for members of Congress, Virginia doesn’t much bat an eyelid at similar practices. WJLA is reporting that Virginia lawmakers took in some $315,000 worth of trips, gifts, meals, and transportation last year from lobbyists and wealthy hosts, up from $284,000 in 2004. Among that lavish spending — which is neither illegal nor unusual in our southern neighbor — was an $18,000 Caribbean getaway for…

Good morning, Washington. As you’ve probably heard, a commuter train derailed yesterday in Prince William County. Impressively, VRE says that its trains will return to a full schedule today. Riders were initially warned to expect delays as long as forty minutes, but it now looks like things are more or less back to normal. Agreement Reached On Howard Hospital: Mayor Williams and Howard University President H. Patrick Swygert have reached an agreement surrounding the…

Good morning, Washington. Sorry for the delay in the morning roundup this a.m. – we were too busy trying to catch Butterstick break the cuteness barrier, yet again. Also, we’re kind of rusty at this whole thing; it’s been a while. This photo was posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user rev_bri; it’s of protestors at the new day laborer center that just opened in Herndon. The Post has the story about the tensions…

We often flip through the Washington Times, sometimes for some comic relief, sometimes to see how the conservative newspaper views local news. In perusing its pages today, we came across a column written by Tom Knott, the Times’ answer to the Post’s well-known and well-liked Metro columnist Marc Fisher. Today Knott — often known for taking some creative license with his writing — describes a conflict between a neighborhood bar and residents who want it…

Of. course. And on the very day that we don’t ride the bus. Yesterday some lucky commuters received undated bus transfers when Metrobus ran out of their standard transfers due to an equipment problem at the company that prints them. The passes can theoretically be used over and over again, so expect a black market in these “emergency transfers” to emerge on craigslist.org in approximately 5 seconds. Warner Grants Clemency to Death Row Inmate: Virginia…

Good morning, Washington. This shot of the Key Bridge was taken by Flickr user easement, who also posted some neat infrared shots of the area in his photostream. If you live in Virginia and several towns in Maryland, today is election day! To find out your polling place check out the website of the Virginia Board of Elections or contact your local government. Virginia Governors’ Race Neck and Neck: The gubernatorial race between Democrat Tim…

Somewhere Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man are rolling in their graves. Yesterday afternoon the Committee on Health of the D.C. City Council endorsed legislation that would make all District bars and restaurants smoke-free by January 2007, according to WJLA. The bill, written by Council-member David Catania (I-At Large) offers exemptions for outdoor areas, cigar bars, hotel rooms, retail tobacco outlets, research projects on the effects of smoking, and businesses that can demonstrate economic…