Jim Slammed: The D.C. Board of Ethics and Government Accountability said today that evidence suggests Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham broke some rules in his handling of the city’s lottery contract. But the board decided not to investigate further because it has no way to punish Graham if it discovered he broke the law.  -4

Fast Cash: Free off her successful campaign to make it easier to “brick” stolen cell phones, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy Lanier is taking on machines that accept unwanted—-or perhaps stolen—-phones in exchange for money. +1

Oh, Fairfax: One woman in Fairfax County wants the county’s school system to ban Toni Morrison‘s Pulitzer Prize-winning Beloved after reading it caused nightmares for her son, a high school senior. -3

Take a Spin: Shortly after Bryce Harper and Robert Griffin III appeared as Jeopardy! answers, the Wizards’ John Wall appeared on Wheel of Fortune.  +1

Wednesday’s Needle rating: 65 Today’s score: -5 Today’s Needle rating: 60