The man whom we all have critiqued
Was in the news twice when it leaked
I'm sorry 'bout mama
But live tee-vee drama?
My int'rest could not be more piqued

The ante is upped on the feud
'Bout loopholes the bill should include
The bishops are wary
That if gays can marry
They'll have to comply or be sued

Unclear if he quit or got sacked
But Wepman now has his bags packed
The count under Rhee
Has risen to three
Can anyone work there intact?

The lane is now open for biking
But not quite to everyone's liking
To bike contraflow
Is causing some woe
And street markings...well...they are striking

So speaking of gear-heads and grease
Hizzoner says now he will cease
In future, while training
The man is refraining
From hauling 'round District police

WTOP went digging through Metrobus records and concluded yesterday that D.C. should ride at its own risk. In the last five years, there were over 400 violations for running red lights, and one driver was even disciplined for watching television while driving (are you feeling lucky?). Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham told the station those riders that notice problems should “Just Google Jim Graham” and email him. Just in case I catch my bus driver watching "It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia" on the way home, I ran a Google-Graham-drill. Unfortunately, the first item that came up was Graham’s decision to give up oversight over the D.C. taxi industry. Old news, but it’s worth checking out again just to note his scarlet bowtie and fluorescent orange grandma glasses. I may be walking home, but that is one dapper man.

Read More "Our Morning Roundup: The “Google Jim Graham” Edition" »

The Issue: A former elementary school building seeking new residents has hooked a fish—and the local Truxton Circle/Bates community wants to throw it back. About two years ago, residents met to determine what should go into the empty J.F Cook Elementary School on P Street NW. Since then, they have tried to woo the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) and an arts center—but Mayor Adrian M. Fenty approved the Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) instead. LAYC has approached the community several times in the past—most recently in a meeting this past Monday—offering to turn the building into a voluntary youth-training program with dormitories for about 50 residents. But where the Mayor sees a halibut, the community sees a red herring—residents argue that they had no part in the selection process, and don’t see how the new social service will benefit the community. Read More "Neighborhood Watch: Truxton Circle Residents Left out to Dry when Choosing Neighbors?" »

Two weeks ago, City Desk reported that the Wisconsin Avenue portion of the Georgetown Circulator was to be discontinued due to budget constraints and a lack of riders. In response to the cut, Georgetown residents complained that their transportation service had been halved in two years, and also argued that the schools along the line, in addition to the opening of a newly renovated Safeway, necessitated additional public transportation.

Looks like their pleas have been answered: the Georgetown Metropolitan reported this week that Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has saved the Circulator from its Oct. 4 doomsday. Ward 2 Councilmember Jack Evans, who met with Mayor Fenty to reverse the decision, said: “The great outpouring of support from the DC Circulator ridership has once again ensured the continued service of this vital transportation option along the Wisconsin Avenue corridor.”

More information on the nail-biting rescue can be found at the blog, the Georgetown Voice.

Enjoy the rest of your summer driving because starting October 1, it might be smarter to stay off the roads. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced yesterday that he is “unburdening” taxpayers and scrapping safety inspections of private vehicles. Let's break this down:

• District cost of vehicle safety checks: $400,000
• Average cost of new vehicle: $30,000
• Watching new vehicle get flattened by a clunker with busted brakes: priceless.

The saga of Rep. Joe “You Lie!” Wilson wrapped up yesterday when the House officially disapproved of his conduct by a party-divided vote of 240-179. Perhaps New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd wasn’t the only one who heard "boy" tacked on at the end?

Read More "Our Morning Roundup: “Crying Kanye” Edition" »

Good morning, District denizens! And now, the news:

• Lt. James A. Cullen posted on the MDP-4D listserv that the 17 year old who was shot while near the 700 block of Decatur St. NW was treated and released from the hospital. Cullen also said that a "white Lexus sedan" may have been involved in the incident. According to Linda Brown, MPD Commander of the Fourth District, police are responding with gusto to the most recent shooting on Kennedy St. (which City Paper missed): "Our attention is continually focused in the 600-700 blocks of Jefferson, Kennedy and Longfellow.  We have executed several search warrants in this target area in the last few days in an effort to bring this gun violence to an end."
• Looking to rent out your place for inauguration but worried about getting busted for violating housing regulations? Fear not! According to The Washington Post Mayor Adrian M. Fenty decided yesterday to suspend "requirements for property inspections...from Jan. 13 through 27," as well as various other obstacles to renting out one's futon in Brightwood Park. (*Ahem* We have wireless Internet, folks! And the place is clean! *Ahem*) The last obstacle is the landlord. (Don't hold your breath for Fenty to suspend other pointless laws, the kind that do nothing to curb the behaviors they criminalize and generate less money than is required to enforce them.)
• Twilight, the vampire movie every chick wants to see, opens tonight. Critics have mixed opinions. Moviegoers should prepare themselves for violent hordes of XX's, ranging from 13 to 30 years of age, all of them screaming for the blood of Robert Pattinson. Check out Washington City Paper's showtimes for other movie listings.
• Prince of Petworth has a question for you.
• Calling all nerds: New FreakAngels, new Marriedtothesea, and new Penny-Arcade. Check them out now.