A morning roundup of news, opinion, and links from Washington City Paper and around the District. Send tips and ideas to citydesk@washingtoncitypaper.com.

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The D.C. fire department is expected to hire civilian paramedics to fill the extreme shortages in its emergency medical services workforce—-a move that reverses a longstanding effort to create an agency in which employees are trained both as medics and firefighters.

LEADING THE MORNING NEWS:

• The National Security Archive at George Washington University obtained declassified government documents that once and for all confirm the existence of Area 51. [WTOP]
• Despite reports to the contrary, refinishing work on the Martin Luther King Jr. are expected to be completed in time for the 50th anniversary of the March On Washington. [AP]
• Is the National Zoo’s female giant panda pregnant? Let the 24-hour panda pregnancy watch commence. [WAMU]
• D.C.’s attorney general has officially opposed Pepco’s efforts to raise rates—-which would amount to $2 million in additional revenue—-on low-income households.  [WAMU]

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

More Taxes, Please: Housing Complex provides a compelling defense for higher property tax assessments in the District.

White, Male, And Dead:  The demographics of D.C. theatergoers don’t break much from the status quo.

Sugar Crazies: A round-up of some of the most outlandish dessert mash-ups in the District.

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

• D.C. struggles under paramedic shortage. [AP]
• Fire department says it will start hiring civilian paramedics. [Times]
• M Street NW bike lane sets up fight between church, cyclists. [Housing Complex, Post]
• Blogger goes to ANC meetings so you don’t have to. [City Desk]
• Thefts on Metro are increasing. [WAMU]
• American University bans outdoor smoking. [WTOP]
• D.C. schools adopt the Common Core. [WAMU]
• NSA mix-up intercepted calls from Washington instead of Egypt. [Post]
• Pond algae killed the fish on the National Mall. [Times]

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

• Want to escape natural disasters? Move to Bethesda, but not D.C. [Atlantic Cities]
• Dupont ANC votes to extend reduced liquor license moratorium. [SALM, GGW]
• Think tank buys IMBY blog. [UrbanTurf]
• MLK Memorial work will be done by next week. [DCist]
• D.C.’s emergency services are among the worst in the country. [AP]
• Ward 2 is not a fan of free visitor parking permits. [GGW]
• GW vows to address crappy, moldy dorms. [WJLA]
• Today on the market: “Pleasantly surprising” Eckington condo

ARTS LINKS, by Ally Schweitzer (tips? aschweitzer@washingtoncitypaper.com)

FOOD LINKS, by Jessica Sidman (tips? hungry@washingtoncitypaper.com)

• Taste test of the bakery at Ted’s Bulletin on 14th St. NW [BYT]
• Busboys & Poets owner considers a run for mayor. [Loose Lips]
• D.C.’s 15 most anticipated fall openings [Thrillist]
• The Reef closed after reported stabbing. [Post]
• “In D.C., people love steakhouses,” says restaurateur Richard Sandoval. [Eater]
• Try the duck rolls at Imm Thai in Annandale. [NoVa Mag]