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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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Marion Barry told CNN yesterday that he “didn’t run to be pope.” Maybe a Borgia pope!

LEADING THE MORNING NEWS:

  • Further evidence that Barry isn’t running for Pope: His disapproval resolution on a city contract to install new tech in cabs could leave cabbies on the hook for the bill. [Examiner]
  • Reflecting pool to be filled in by this weekend. [Post]
  • Airport board members gave their kids summer jobs. [Examiner]

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

Photos of the Day: Lorelei and Deathfix @ Black Cat.

Referendum Returns: D.C. Public Trust, the supporters of putting corporate political donations ban Initiative 70 on the ballot, haven’t given up, despite being disqualified by the Board of Elections for a lack of signatures. The group is planning to sue the board to get back on the ballot.

New Health Food Restaurant: The Protein Bar, a new health food restaurant in Penn Quarter, opens Wednesday. Expect quinoa and lots of smoothies.

Showtime: City Paper is curating an installment of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Luce Unplugged series. The concert will feature rapper Kokayi, art poppers The Caribbean, and singer Alex. The concert, which is free, starts at 6 p.m. on Sept. 14.

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

  • David Grosso challenges Michael Brown’s signatures. [Post]
  • Marion Barry gives CNN a pep talk. [CNN]
  • Medical marijuana firms still not growing pot in D.C. [Times]
  • H.R. Crawford on getting his granddaughter a low-paying summer job with airports board. “This is a government town.” [Examiner]
  • Libraries, onward [Examiner]
  • If Barry doesn’t knock if off, cabbies will have to pay up to $500 to install new smart meters. [Examiner]
  • D.C. workers getting some extra pay today. [AP]

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

  • Crafty Bastards, the annual craft festival sponsored by City Paper, is leaving Adams Morgan. [Prince of Petworth]
  • Save the Corcoran Coalition sends a 3,200-signature petition to Corcoran President Fred Bollerer and board Chairman Harry F. Hopper III. [Post]
  • MLK Library celebrates its 40th anniversary today. [DCist]
  • Drive-in movie theaters are mostly disappearing, but the larger D.C. area still has one. [DCist]
  • National Cathedral launches a fundraising drive. [DCist]
  • Remembering Phyllis Diller [Around the Mall] [Post]
  • Did we mention we’re curating a concert at the American Art Museum Sept. 14? [City Paper]

FOOD LINKS, by Young & Hungry editor Jessica Sidman. (tips? hungry@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Lawmakers spend big campaign dollars at Johnny’s Half Shell and other restaurants. [Roll Call]
  • Food porn from some of the area’s hot new restaurants [Post]
  • Photos of Michelle and Barack Obama at Mintwood Place [HuffPost]
  • Epic Smokehouse opening next month in Arlington. [ARLnow]
  • Sweetgreen in City Vista opens tomorrow. [PoP]
  • The latest of Suna from chef Johnny Spero [Eater]
  • Eleven fall restaurant openings to look forward to [Zagat]