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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D.C. Council at-large candidate Pat Mara says he will push ethics reform if elected. But could Mara do with some of ethics reform of his own? The Washington Post reports that Mara helped a conservative group raise money from some of his campaign donors in exchange for a “consulting fee” or cut of the proceeds, an arrangement the Post says might have broken campaign laws.

LEADING THE MORNING NEWS:

• Emancipation Day parade going on, but with more security. [WTOP]
• Emancipation Day also means loose parking enforcement. [WJLA]
• Nats Park will get better Wi-Fi. [Examiner]
• Hyattsville torn by debate over sidewalks. [Post]
• New budget calls for “space education center” in D.C. schools. [Examiner]
• If Mayor Vince Gray wants fewer people to drive in D.C., why sell city employees parking at a below-market rate? [Examiner]

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

Photo of the Day: New Orleans Bingo!

Think Tank Phantom: A mysterious think-tank panelgoer is trying to eat as much food at the panels as he can.

Ramp Mania: The arrival of spring means a rush to put ramps—-otherwise known as wild leeks—-into dishes. Even cocktails!

Spot Flop: A New York Avenue NE parking garage could be turned into apartments, according to its developer.

LOOSE LIPS, by Loose Lips columnist Alan Suderman. (tips? lips@washingtoncitypaper.com)

• Did Pat Mara improperly profit from his 2008 campaign? [Post]
• Anita Bonds is the Council’s favorite. [Examiner]
• No change in plans for Emancipation Day celebration, mayor says. [Politico]
• Vince Gray and Kaya Henderson are reneging on commitments made to parents, students, says Jonetta. [Examiner]
• City wants to get people out of their cars, as long as those people don’t work for the city. [Examiner]
• Emancipation Day inconveniences nonprofit. [Post]

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

• After Boston tragedy, security’s up for today’s Emancipation Day Parade. [WJLA]
• At-large Council candidates say they want affordable housing but balk at actual housing. [GGW]
• Nationals Park gets a Wi-Fi boost. [Examiner]
• H Street NE wins an award for its revitalization. [Hill Rag]
• A slideshow of this year’s D.C. Design House. [Washingtonian]
• A New York co-op actually makes money for its residents. [UrbanTurf]
• The D.C. area is middle of the pack when it comes to infrastructure efficiency. [GGW]
• D.C. United is considering a Maryland stadium. [Post]
• Today on the market: Small home on the Hill

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