The People Speak? Although 76 percent of Democrats say in a Washington Post poll that they don’t want Mayor Vince Gray to be elected for a second term, he’s beating his competition—-by a lot. -3

Scholarly Athletes: At least two Pigskins players are pursuing master’s degrees in the off-season through the NFL’s tuition-reimbursement program. +2

Line of Desperation: It probably isn’t a good sign for the completion date of the Silver Line that officials working on the rail launched a hotline that will be staffed 24/7 so the public can ask questions or express their concerns about the project. -1

Rack Traction: D.C. plans to double its bike racks downtown over the next three years. +2

Yesterday’s Needle rating: 62 Today’s score: 0 Today’s Needle rating: 62