Limbaugh Says Georgetown Student Is A “Slut,” Obama Calls: Sandra Fluke, the Georgetown Law student who became the subject of Rush Limbaugh attacks after testifying that the Jesuit Georgetown University should pay for birth control, got a phone call from President Barack Obama today. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney says the president “expressed disappointment” at Limbaugh’s behavior. Georgetown University President John DeGoia released a statement saying that Limbaugh “responded with behavior that can only be described as misogynistic, vitriolic, and a misrepresentation of the position of our student.” All of the outright condemnation seems to be having some effect—even House Speaker John Boehner came out against the radio trash talker. +2

Metro Riders Don’t Want To Pay More: Not exactly a surprise, but a fare increase is a tough pill to swallow for users of Metro Access, many of whom are on fixed incomes. “Metro says the fare increases are necessary to raise $66 million to pay for new rails, rail cars, elevators, escalators, and platforms. All things that are needed, conceded riders at the hearing—but not at their expense.” -2

Breitbart’s Last Rant: Recently deceased, conservative new media provocateur Andrew Breitbart had a rant here in D.C. at CPAC that went viral only a few weeks before his death. Local journalist Emily Crockett filmed his rant about Occupy protesters and found herself caught in his sights after that point. She writes: “I was floored, and saddened, by the news of his death. Dickish as he was to me on a seemingly personal level, I knew him as a performer, not as a person. He had people who cared deeply for him, including a wife and four kids. It turns out he and I have at least one mutual friend. He will never see, nor retweet, another insult, or know who will win the 2012 election, or make another spurious smear-documentary using footage without permission, or step outside into more of this gorgeous unseasonable sun.” Thoughtful and accurate. We approve. +2

Watch Out For Red Top Meters: There are now 400 meters in D.C. with red tops—and unless you’ve got a handicap sign for your car, you’d better not park at one. The meters are to prevent handicapped drivers from parking at a space all day—and to discourage scofflaws from obtaining fake decals on the black market. Smart! +3

Yesterday’s Needle rating: 57 Today’s score: +5 Friday bonus: +2 Today’s Needle rating: 64