Mayor Returns Smoking Ban Unsigned: An unsigned-by-Mayor-Williams smoking ban now heads to the U.S. Congress, which has 30 days to review the legislation. Read: he didn’t veto it, but he’s allowing it to be enacted sans his signature. Williams stated in a Post article that he fears the ban would go “too far in restricting the freedom for individuals to dine and work where they please.” Actually, we think it’s smoking that does that, not…

Did DCist readers spend the night fighting the crowds at the Irish pubs in the area, or did they buck the St. Patrick’s trend and head for some of DCist’s alternative choices? Any notable stories to share for the day, which is looking to be partly sunny and in the mid-50s? Alston Murder Suspect Arrested:As we reported last night, a suspect in the murder of Wanda Alston, head of the D.C. Office of Gay, Lesbian,…

City officials are reeling after a member of D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams’ cabinet was found dead in her home. Wanda Alston had served as advisor to the mayor as director of the D.C. Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs. She is pictured to the right in a photo from the Washington Blade printed in a story from last July about the selection of a new head for the D.C. HIV/AIDS Administration. The AP…