As much local politics as humanly possible. Send your tips, releases, stories, events, etc. to lips@washingtoncitypaper.com.
Good morning, all. Check LL on Kojo at noon today on WAMU-FM. Guests include Peter J. Nickles.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT—-“GOP Claims Michael Brown Ineligible to Claim Council Seat“
If LL’s early, pace-setting, definitive coverage of the Michael Brown challenge isn’t good enough for you (harrumph), you might turn to items in the WaPo, in the WaTimes, in the Examiner.
LL was right! Yesterday’s hearing on the DCPS Five-Year Action Plan indeed dealt with school violence, WaPo’s Bill Turque reports, including recent incidents at Anacostia SHS and Hart MS. (Incidentally, no quote from Rhee in the story direct to Turque. And LL watched as he tried to get one.) Teachers react to safety concerns in WUSA-TV video.
Fire chief Dennis Rubin whines about his budget getting cut, WaPo reports. Yeah, Dennis, those smoke detectors would be nice, but with a $131 million-plus budget gap, you entreaties would have a little more credibility if you suggested another $200,000 from your budget that could go instead. Mendo’s right on: “I read it as the department is politicizing a situation to take a potshot at the council for cutting their budget….It is very easy to politicize public safety. You have a fire, there wasn’t a smoke detector, blame the council.”
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty drops biz-license requirement for temporary inauguration rentals, WaPo’s David Nakamura reports. “The move, which also suspends requirements for property inspections, will be in effect from Jan. 13 through 27.” Also AP story.
Fun development in the Tenley-Janney feud: DCPL trustees, including John Hill (!), vote to screw Fenty, Neil Albert and move ahead with library project without residential tower, Michael Neibauer writes in the Examiner. Fentyland comment: “We’re glad to hear the library is willing to work with us.” Tee-hee!
Harry Jaffe bids farewell to Tom Davis.
“Fired DC Ambulance Worker From Rosenbaum Case Gets Job Back,” reports WUSA-TV’s Dave Statter.
Fenty, O’Malley, Kaine meet to stump for Chesapeake Bay aid from feds, WaTimes reports. What, no Tommy Wells quote?
WaPo: “On Inauguration Day, Metro expects to transport the largest crowds in its 32-year history, as many as 1.6 million people. And even though the transit system will be running unprecedented rush-hour service for 15 consecutive hours, people should expect enormously crowded rail stations, jammed trains and delays of up to ‘a couple hours’ when daytime festivities end.” More inaug stories from Examiner; from WTOP. [NOTE: Forget LL’s West Virginia advice from the other day.]
AND—-“CVS May Soon Sell SmarTrip Cards“
WaPo covers Robert Wone case indictments. So does Examiner.
Biz Journal covers HPTF money added Tuesday.
Man shot to death on 800 block of Southern Avenue SE; cops wonder why killer couldn’t have done his business across the street (kidding@).
Federal judge has nice things to say about improvements at CFSA.
Wal-Mart puts up $12.5M for MLK memorial on the Mall, AP reports.
D.C. COUNCIL TODAY—-9 a.m.: mayor-council breakfast, JAWB mayor’s ceremonial conference room; 10 a.m.: Committee of the Whole hearing on Bill 17-765, Bill 17-933, and Bill 17-986, JAWB 500; 11 a.m.: Committee on Public Works and the Environment meeting on Bill 17-0980, Bill 17-0935, Bill 17-0936, PR 17-1113, Bill 17-0983, Bill 17-0937, and Bill 17-0981, JAWB 120; 1 p.m.: Committee of the Whole hearing on Bill 17-911, JAWB 500; 2 p.m.: Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs meeting on Bill 17-0610, Bill 17-0798, Bill 17-0950, PR 17-1042, and report on Recent Power Outages and the Reliability of the Electricity Distribution System, JAWB 120.
ADRIAN FENTY TODAY—-9 a.m.: mayor-council breakfast, JAWB mayor’s ceremonial conference room; 11:15 a.m.: remarks, St, Martin’s Apartments groundbreaking, 116 T St. NE; 12:45 p.m.: remarks, All Hands on Deck announcement, Elvans and Stanton Roads NE; 4:15 p.m.: participant, turkey distribution to Benning Terrace residents, 46th Place, Alabama Avenue, and G Street SE; 5 p.m.: participant, Mayor’s turkey giveaway, Woodland Terrace, 2313 Ainger Place SE.