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Marion Barry, D.C.’s mayor for life and Ward 8 councilmember, passed away late Saturday night at the age of 78. Here’s a look back at the life of the city’s most recognizable political figure and a round-up of Washington City Paper features of the beloved and often-controversial man over the past few decades.

LEADING THE MORNING NEWS:

  • The Washington Post obituary of Marion Barry [Post]
  • Former Washington City Paper editor—-and current New York Times reporter—-David Carr reflects on Barry, who Carr says was all too human. [Washingtonian]
  • Official memorial plans for Barry are still undecided, but a spokeswoman promises it’s going to be big. [Loose Lips] 
  • The mayor-for-life’s legacy is built on his enduring summer jobs program. [Washington Post]
  • How Barry’s legacy will be felt in a changing D.C. [Housing Complex]

RECENT CITY PAPER STORIES TO HELP YOU MAKE SENSE OF YOUR DAY:

A Celebration: Ward 8 residents celebrate Marion Barry‘s life and reflect on the contributions he made to the community.

WCP Remembers: Reflections on Barry’s death from former WCP editor Jack Shafer and former Loose Lips reporter—-and at-large councilmember-elect—-Elissa Silverman.

The People Issue: The second annual People Issue is online and on stands this week. Pick it up to read interviews with the people who make life in the District so interesting—-from a prominent chef, to leaders in the cycling community, to Mayor-elect Muriel Bowser, to the in-game Nationals DJ. And make sure to check out the gorgeous portraits by Darrow Montgomery (this year, in full color!).

LOOSE LIPS LINKS, by Will Sommer  (tips? wsommer@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Marion Barry dies at 78. [LL, LL, NYT, WBJ, WBJ, Post, Post, Post, Times]
  • Barry memorials are “going to be big,” spokeswoman promises. [LL]
  • Marion Barry: a WCP reader [LL]
  • Summer jobs program helps explains Barry’s popularity. [Post]
  • Candidates line up for Ward 8 seat. [Post]
  • Post ed board: Barry’s life was “ancient tragedy.” [Post]
  • Councilmember-elect Elissa Silverman remembers Barry. [LL]
  • Courtland Milloy talks Barry’s faith. [Post]
  • Barry fans irate over TMZ headline. [LL, Post]
  • Petition: Rename H Street and Benning Road after Barry. [Change.org]
  • Barry and gentrification [Housing Complex]
  • Barry remembered at Player’s Lounge. [Post]
  • The first of what LL expects will be many Barry murals appears. [Housing Complex]
  • “To be in Barry’s proximity could be better than drinking the elixir of life.” [LL]
  • David Carr on Barry [Washingtonian]
  • Barry in six songs [Arts Desk]
  • Charges dropped against nightclub baron Marc Barnes. [Post]

HOUSING COMPLEX, by Aaron Wiener (tips? awiener@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Remembering Marion Barry. [LL, Housing Complex, LL, LL]
  • Removing Reeves isn’t enough; the stadium deal still needs improving. [DCFPI]
  • D.C. contracts 260 motel rooms for the homeless this winter. [DCist]
  • The District’s 2024 pitch includes an Olympic Village in Hill East. [Post]
  • In Mount Vernon Triangle, 92 percent of households are childless. [@OConnellPostbiz]
  • D.C.’s “pot belt” runs down the city’s center. [Post]
  • Right Proper is opening a Brookland brewery. [DC Beer]
  • ANC committee votes to support demolishing former gay sex club. [SALM]
  • Visualizing the hazards faced by pedestrians. [GGW]
  • Today on the market: Rowhouse near Capitol Heights Metro—-$179,900

ARTS LINKS, by Christina Cauterucci (tips? ccauterucci@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Marion Barry, in six songs [Arts Desk]
  • A new Barry mural rises in Petworth. [Housing Complex]
  • Artist Bruce McCall takes aim at the Washington football team’s name in a New Yorker cover. [City Desk]
  • How Bill Cosby publicly humiliated Barry [Slate]
  • The Kennedy Center’s Little Dancer features many deep, nuanced roles for women. [Post]
  • Louis Jordan‘s tunes get a sexy revamp with mixed results in Arena Stage’s Five Guys Named Moe. [Post]

YOUNG & HUNGRY LINKS, by Jessica Sidman, is on vacation. (tips? jsidman@washingtoncitypaper.com