Nickles sees nothing wrong with developer's fixes for Gray

Attorney General Peter J. Nickles said he sees no wrongdoing in the repairs completed at the home of D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) -- a story first reported in the Washington Times on Wednesday. "I don't think I read a serious allegation there. I call it like I...

By Gene Fynes | November 19, 2009; 12:50 PM ET | Comments (3)

Council seeks votes on contracts administration bypassed it on

Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray is demanding that the council get a chance to vote on all past contracts exceeding $1 million that were created by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's administration without council approval. Gray's demand stretches beyond the controversial construction contracts routed through the D.C. Housing Authority. It is...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | November 13, 2009; 11:28 AM ET | Comments (7)

Catania goes after law professor on same-sex marriage issue

Council member David A. Catania is taking aim at a Washington & Lee School of Law professor who has taken a leading role in trying to carve out more exemptions in the bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Professor Robin F. Wilson was one of five professors who sent a letter...

By Anne Bartlett | November 12, 2009; 02:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

Kwame Brown's rim-rocking injury

At Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray's birthday fundraiser Tuesday tonight, one Council member could only hobble his way through the crowd. Kwame Brown (D-At Large) broke his ankle on Sunday and says he will be having surgery today. How did it happen? Well, decide for yourself whether you believe Brown's...

By Tim Craig | November 11, 2009; 10:03 AM ET | Comments (3)

Big crowd joins Gray for birthday fundraiser (for mayor's race?)

Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray celebrated his birthday Tuesday night to raise money for his constituent services fund, but judging from the crowd, it looked like a pre-mayoral campaign kickoff. Former Mayor Sharon Pratt, former Council chairwoman Linda W. Cropp, and even Virginia Williams, mother of former Mayor Anthony A....

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | November 11, 2009; 08:51 AM ET | Comments (12)

Fenty, council members meet on Hartsock

A delegation of five council members met with Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) Monday evening as planned to discuss the mayor's controversial re-appointment of Ximena Hartsock as interim director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) requested the meeting after a tense period of...

By Anne Bartlett | November 10, 2009; 02:51 PM ET | Comments (17)

D.C. council committee approves same-sex marriage bill

A DC Council Committee voted 4 to 1 this afternoon to send a bill legalizing same-sex marriage to the full council for debate. Council member Phil Mendelson, chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and Judiciary, said the legislation was "both simple and monumental." With the committee vote, the full...

By Anne Bartlett | November 10, 2009; 02:02 PM ET | Comments (16)

Finance chief for D.C. schools is out, source says

DCPS chief financial officer Noah Wepman, excoriated by the D.C. Council last month for sitting on news about mounting budget pressures in the school system, submitted his resignation Monday, according to a top District source. WTOP, citing sources, reported late Monday afternoon that he'd been fired. Whether he was thrown...

By Steve Reiss | November 9, 2009; 07:32 PM ET | Comments (15)

Committee unveils changes to same-sex bill

A D.C. Council committee will probably approve major changes Tuesday to the bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the District, including a provision that will make it easier for churches to avoid having to participate in gay weddings and receptions. In preparation for the "mark up" hearing before the Committee...

By Gene Fynes | November 9, 2009; 03:39 PM ET | Comments (8)

Marion Barry's mother dies

D.C. Council member Marion Barry's mother, Mattie Cummings, died early Sunday morning in her hometown of Memphis, Tenn. She was 92.

By Washington Post Editor | November 9, 2009; 05:56 AM ET | Comments (11)

Thomas issues subpoena for Hartsock

Council member Harry Thomas Jr. is issuing a subpoena for interim parks and recreation director Ximena Hartsock to testify Nov. 16 on the controversial construction contracts. In dramatic fashion, Thomas called Hartsock's name several times. She was on the witness list for Thursday's hearing on the matter. He said "for...

By Anne Bartlett | November 5, 2009; 01:28 PM ET | Comments (3)

Local politicos react to Tuesday's election

Political activists in the District are responding to Tuesday's elections that saw the GOP win the governorships in Virginia and New Jersey, while voters in Maine supported a referendum to repeal that state's gay marriage law. Robert Kabel, chairman of the D.C. Republican Committee, said Governors-Elect Robert F. McDonnell of...

By Gene Fynes | November 4, 2009; 11:38 AM ET | Comments (1)

Thomas bills would set new limits on Fenty administration

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer would be prohibited from transferring any funds to the D.C. Housing Authority and its subsidiaries for 90 days, under emergency legislation that Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) plans to introduce Tuesday. The Department of Parks and Recreation would also have to...

By Anne Bartlett | November 2, 2009; 01:00 PM ET | Comments (6)

Gray: More questions about contract awards

Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) said Monday that the council's questions about contracts have expanded beyond those awarded by the D.C. Housing Authority. The council is now looking at whether the administration of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty has bypassed the legislative body in other ways -- from awarding option...

By Anne Bartlett | November 2, 2009; 12:23 PM ET | Comments (4)

Council meets behind closed doors

The D.C. Council is having a meeting in Chairman Vincent C. Gray's (D) conference room, but members will not let reporters view the discussions. When a Washington Post reporter opened the door to try to enter, citing the open meetings law, Gray told the reporter to leave. Gray said the...

By Gene Fynes | October 27, 2009; 04:21 PM ET | Comments (7)

Another vote for same-sex marriage

There may be another vote on the D.C. Council in support of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the District. Nine council members are co-sponsoring council member David A. Catania's (I-At Large) same-sex marriage bill. Council members Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7), Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) and Harry Thomas...

By Gene Fynes | October 27, 2009; 11:36 AM ET | Comments (15)

Nickles: Recreation contracts broke the law

Attorney General Peter J. Nickles said the D.C. Housing Authority broke the law when it recently awarded millions of contracts for recreation projects to firms that had ties to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty without seeking approval of the D.C. Council. Nickles advised housing authority officials to submit the contracts to...

By Vanessa Williams | October 23, 2009; 06:23 PM ET | Comments (4)

Unspun with Council member Mary Cheh

Check out this weekend's Washington Post Magazine for an interview with first-term Ward 3 Council member Mary Cheh. Some excerpts follow. Excerpts: Tell us about your biggest goof. I wasn't always sufficiently aware of what the [D.C.] Council did before I got involved with it. On the night of...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | October 23, 2009; 01:56 PM ET | Comments (4)

Graham gives up taxicab industry oversight

D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) is giving up his oversight of the city's taxicab issues after his chief of staff was arrested last month for allegedly taking a bribe from a member of the industry. Graham sent council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) a letter Monday asking that...

By Gene Fynes | October 19, 2009; 05:31 PM ET | Comments (3)

Evans: I'll Run for Chairman if Gray Runs for Mayor

Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) confirmed today he plans to run for council chairman if incumbent Vincent C. Gray (D) decides to run for mayor next year. Evans, who has held ambitions to ascend to the chairman's office since his unsuccessful mayoral bid in 1998, made his remarks during...

By Anne Bartlett | October 15, 2009; 06:18 PM ET | Comments (31)

Brown Confronts Nickles Over Tone of Hartsock Debate

D.C. Council Kwame Brown (D-At large) confronted Attorney General Peter Nickles on the steps of city hall this evening and accused him of needlessly fanning racial tensions surrounding the council's decision not to confirm Ximena Hartsock as the director of Parks and Recreation. "You should be ashamed of yourself," Brown...

By Tim Craig | October 14, 2009; 06:42 PM ET | Comments (31)

Marion Barry Released From Hospital

Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward) 8 was released from Howard University Hospital Monday after a week of treatment for dehydration and a "mild infection," a Barry spokeswoman said. Barry, 73, who had a kidney transplant in February, drove himself to Howard last Monday because he was not feeling well and...

By Vanessa Williams | October 12, 2009; 06:16 PM ET | Comments (4)

Barry Remains in Intensive Care

D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) remains hospitalized in intensive care at Howard University Hospital. Barry, who underwent a kidney transplant in February, was admitted to the hospital early Tuesday for dehydration. His condition was initially described as stable, but he was transferred to the intensive care unit Tuesday...

By Anne Bartlett | October 8, 2009; 03:52 PM ET | Comments (2)

Graham Aides Won't Be Testifying After All

The two staffers for D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) who were subpoenaed as part of the federal investigation of the city's taxicab industry will not be testifying before the grand jury, according to sources in Graham's office. David Vacca and Steve Hernandez, both of whom work for the...

By Gene Fynes | October 8, 2009; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hartsock Unsure of Plans Following Council Rejection

Ximena Hartsock, who was rejected as the new parks and recreation director Tuesday by the D.C. Council, says that she doesn't know what she is going to do next and that Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) told her he was "devastated" by the council's vote. Hartsock gave her first interviews...

By Anne Bartlett | October 7, 2009; 06:04 PM ET | Comments (17)

Barry Still in ICU at Howard University Hospital

Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) remains in the intensive care unit at Howard University Hospital after being moved there Tuesday night, according to Natalie Williams, his spokeswoman. Barry, who underwent a kidney transplant in February, was admitted to the hospital early Tuesday to be treated for dehydration. Williams had...

By Gene Fynes | October 7, 2009; 11:40 AM ET | Comments (4)

Mayor Says Police, Fire Retirement Benefits Preserved

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D), Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier and Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin appeared together at a press conference this morning to announce that they had restored cuts to retirement health benefits of police and fire employees. The issue of retirement health care cuts to public safety...

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | October 6, 2009; 03:22 PM ET | Comments (3)

Council Rejects Hartsock Nomination

The D.C. Council voted Tuesday afternoon to reject Ximena Hartsock as the next director of the department of parks and recreation, delivering a setback to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D). After nearly an hour of debate, the council voted 7 to 5 in support of a disapproval resolution. Council Chairman...

By Anne Bartlett | October 6, 2009; 02:43 PM ET | Comments (24)

Ministers Meet With Council Members, Urge Vote on Same-Sex Marriage

With Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large) scheduled to introduce his same-sex marriage bill at Tuesday's council meeting, a group of ministers traveled to city hall today to step up their campaign to force a public vote on the legislation. The ministers were spotted in the John A. Wilson...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | October 1, 2009; 02:18 PM ET | Comments (8)

Cabdrivers Vent Anger at Graham, Fenty

D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) withdrew his taxi industry reform bill on Wednesday, but that didn't stop about 50 cabdrivers from picketing City Hall on Thursday morning. A coalition of taxicab associations also called today for Graham's resignation. The protestors, who gathered in Freedom Plaza across from the...

By Gene Fynes | October 1, 2009; 12:39 PM ET | Comments (4)

D.C. Council Says No to Private Hydrants, Passes Emergency Legislation Effective Today

Developers, beware. Starting today, developers and others cannot install private fire hydrant in the District unless they can show proof of who will maintain it. The legislation, sponsored by Councilmembers Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) and Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) was passed by the D.C. Council this week. It comes after...

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | October 1, 2009; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Graham Withdrawing Taxicab Bill as FBI Probe Continues

Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) said today he is withdrawing his legislation to overhaul the city's taxi industry, a proposal that is at the center of an ongoing FBI investigation into alleged corruption within the industry and at City Hall. But Graham said his decision to pull the bill...

By Gene Fynes | September 30, 2009; 12:57 PM ET | Comments (18)

Two Graham Staffers Receive Grand Jury Subpoenas

Two staffers for D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) have been subpoenaed to appear next week before a federal grand jury investigating the city's taxicab industry. David Vacca and Steve Hernandez, both of whom work for the Committee on Public Works and Transportation, are scheduled to appear before...

By Gene Fynes | September 29, 2009; 02:59 PM ET | Comments (12)

Gay Games Won't Be Held in the District

Despite traveling to Cologne, Germany, District government officials failed to persuade the Federation of Gay Games to hold its Gay Olympics in the District in 2014. D.C. Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large) and Valerie Santos, deputy mayor for planning and economic development, were among the D.C. contingent in...

By Gene Fynes | September 29, 2009; 02:32 PM ET | Comments (3)

Fenty Praises Graham for Work on Columbia Heights

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) praised D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) at a public event in Columbia Heights this morning, even as Graham continues to be battered with questions over last week's arrest of his chief of staff. Fenty and Graham both attended the grand opening of...

By Gene Fynes | September 28, 2009; 12:40 PM ET | Comments (12)

GOP Happy to Tell Ward 1 About Graham Office Raid

That didn't take long. The D.C. Republican Committee sent a robo call to about 10,000 Ward 1 residents Friday afternoon seeking to implicate Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) in the legal controversy swirling around his chief-of-staff, Ted G. Loza. Loza was arrested Thursday morning on bribery charges after he...

By Anne Bartlett | September 25, 2009; 05:36 PM ET | Comments (2)

Cheh Asks Fenty to Appoint Leader on Water Pressure Issues

The hearing led by Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) about water supply and firefighting is under way, with Fire Chief Dennis L. Rubin, D.C. WASA Interim General Manager Avis Marie Russell and other fire and water officials answering questions about available water supply. A frequent point of discussion is...

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | September 25, 2009; 10:54 AM ET | Comments (0)

Graham Chief of Staff Arrested on Bribery Charges

The chief-of-staff to D.C. Council Member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) was arrested Thursday morning by federal agents on bribery charges, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Ted G. Loza, 44, was taken into custody at his home. He is due to appear in the District's federal court Thursday...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | September 24, 2009; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (12)

Council Passes -- and Barry Praises -- New Ethics Code

D.C. Council member Marion Barry said today the new ethics code for council members is "a step forward" that demonstrates Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray's "progressive thinking.' In an unanimous vote, the council approved emergency legislation that establishes the city's first "Code of Official Conduct" for council members. The proposal,...

By Anne Bartlett | September 22, 2009; 02:06 PM ET | Comments (10)

11th Street Bridge Plans Gets Go-Ahead

By Tim Craig Washington Post Staff Writer The D.C. Council approved a plan Tuesday to accept property from the federal government so the city can begin construction of the 11th Street bridge. The project, slated to cost $365 million, will be the largest capital improvement project ever undertaken by the...

By Gene Fynes | September 22, 2009; 01:39 PM ET | Comments (20)

Compromise Hammered Out on School Board Hires

The State Board of Education will have the authority to hire three staffers selected from a list given to members by the superintendent under a compromise hammered out by D.C. Council members Monday. The education board, stripped of most of its power after the mayoral takeover in 2007, would have...

By Gene Fynes | September 21, 2009; 06:27 PM ET | Comments (8)

Council Open to Compromise on Ed Board Funding

The D.C. Council appears to be backing away from its plans to attempt an override of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's veto of funding to the State Board of Education. At a press conference this morning, Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) said members will work with the administration today to...

By Anne Bartlett | September 21, 2009; 12:51 PM ET | Comments (3)

Gray Proposes Ethics Code in Response to Barry Controversy

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray unveiled a proposed unified "Code of Official Conduct" for council members today as he and other members begin work on implementing new ethics policies. Under Gray's proposal, the first step in responding to ethical questions that swirled around Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8)...

By Anne Bartlett | September 21, 2009; 12:05 PM ET | Comments (1)

Fenty Gears Up for Fight With Gray Over School Board Funding

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty said he and schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee are lobbying D.C. Council members to prevent council Chairman Vincent C. Gray's effort to override his veto of funding to the State Board of Education. The council approved $950,000 in the fiscal 2010 budget -- a move that...

By Gene Fynes | September 18, 2009; 03:30 PM ET | Comments (11)

D.C. Council Talking Ethics Today

D.C. Council members are discussing what could become its ethics policy in a 3 1/2-hour meeting Tuesday. The work session began at 9:30 a.m., although council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8), whose hiring of a girlfriend and issues surrounding earmarks prompted a new focus on council ethics, was not there...

By Gene Fynes | September 15, 2009; 11:27 AM ET | Comments (3)

UPDATE: U.S. Attorney On Mendelson Letter in Tony Randolph Hunter Murder Case

D.C. Wire promised we would update when we heard from the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District about the letter Mendelson wrote to Acting U.S. Attorney for the District Channing Phillips about the status of Tony Randolph Hunter murder case. Around 6 p.m. spokesman Ben Friedman sent this...

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | September 10, 2009; 07:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

Mendelson Weighs in on Tony Randolph Hunter Murder Case

Councilmember Phil Mendelson doesn't like the way the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the District is handling the murder case of Tony Randolph Hunter. Mendelson (D-At Large) fired off a letter to Acting U.S. Attorney Channing Phillips this afternoon saying that he is "alarmed" that the office is offering...

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | September 10, 2009; 04:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

D.C. Attorney General Fires Back at Opponents

Attorney General Peter Nickles was fighting back Wednesday, releasing oppositions he filed this week in two different cases. The embattled Nickles has found himself up against just about everybody, including D.C. Auditor Deborah K. Nichols, who has asked a judge to intervene and enforce a subpoena that would give her...

By Gene Fynes | September 9, 2009; 11:19 AM ET | Comments (2)

Tipping the Scales in D.C. Council Race

Former recreation director Clark E. Ray is calling in a big favor from his past in his race to unseat D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large). Tipper Gore, his former boss, will attend his first fundraiser Oct. 13, his camp announced. Ray, who began his campaign for the council...

By Gene Fynes | September 8, 2009; 11:24 AM ET | Comments (3)

Fundraising Audit Finds Problems for D.C. Democrats

In a preliminary audit, the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics has found numerous suspected campaign finance violations related to the D.C. Democratic State Committee's spending at last year's Democratic National Convention in Denver. In the report, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post, the board's Office...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | September 1, 2009; 01:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hearing Set on CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Finances, Giving

D.C. Appleseed Center for Law and Justice says insurance giant CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield has a current surplus of well over $300.million, according to a report filed Monday with the city Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking. CareFirst's finances and its obligation to the city will be the subject of a...

By Gene Fynes | August 31, 2009; 06:23 PM ET | Comments (1)

Bishop Continues Fight Against Same-Sex Marriages in D.C.

Bishop Harry Jackson is refusing to relent from his campaign to stop same-sex marriage in the District, despite the drubbing he took before the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics this summer. Jackson sent out a statement Monday stating that he and other opponents of same-sex marriages will file an...

By Gene Fynes | August 31, 2009; 01:43 PM ET | Comments (3)

Dismissed Aquatics Director at Sea Over Firing

Former District aquatics director Brendan McElroy said Tuesday that his recent firing was "unjust and unfair," so he would like to have his job back. "I have a vision for the city and I am committed to aquatics," McElroy said in an interview. "I would love to have my job...

By Gene Fynes | August 25, 2009; 05:13 PM ET | Comments (13)

Mendelson: City Should Back Off Tennis Center Eviction

D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At large) said yesterday that the city should drop its effort to evict Cora Masters Barry's organization from the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center now that the Recreation Wish List is once again a registered D.C. corporation. "This kind of thing could have been handled...

By Anne Bartlett | August 21, 2009; 03:40 PM ET | Comments (4)

Ray Ready to Make It Official in Council Race

Clark E. Ray, the former director of Parks and Recreation, is done exploring, and is ready to jump into next year's race for the Democratic nomination for an at-large seat on the D.C. Council. Ray launched his exploratory campaign in early May, a few weeks after Mayor Adrian M. Fenty...

By Tim Craig | August 18, 2009; 01:44 PM ET | Comments (15)

Ward 5 Commissioner Pushes for Gay Marriage Ballot Initiative

A Ward 5 advisory neighborhood commissioner is trying to rally the public in an effort to compel the D.C. Council to place an initiative on gay marriage on the ballot in November 2010. Last month, a law went into effect that allows the city to recognize gay marriages performed legally...

By Anne Bartlett | August 12, 2009; 01:10 PM ET | Comments (10)

E-mails Shed New Light On Barry Contract With Ex

Newly released e-mails show that D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) and his staff criticized work performed by his then-girlfriend, Donna Watts-Brighthaupt, earlier this year, and that her ex-husband accused Barry of falsifying contract documents in an angry message earlier this year. Barry's complaints included Watts-Brighthaupt's spelling, grammar, tendency...

By Nikita R Stewart | August 5, 2009; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

Barry Ex-Girlfriend Seeking Lawyer

Donna Watts-Brighthaupt, the woman at the center of the ethical questions swirling around Marion Barry, said today that federal investigators have not yet approached her as part of their preliminary investigation into the council member. Watts-Brighthaupt, Barry's ex-girlfriend who was awarded a city contract last year, pledged she would cooperate...

By Tim Craig | July 27, 2009; 01:29 PM ET | Comments (2)

Barry Defends Self On CNN

D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) went national this morning, appearing on CNN's American Morning to defend giving a contract to then-girlfriend Donna Watts-Brighthaupt last year.

By Lori Aratani | July 16, 2009; 08:24 AM ET | Comments (11)

Video: Watts-Brighthaupt Discusses Barry Arrest, City Contract

Post reporter Hamil Harris caught up with Donna Watts-Brighthaupt, the ex-girlfriend of Marion Barry who is at the center of his July 4 stalking arrest and questions about his use of D.C. funds, to get her perspective on the controversy....

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | July 9, 2009; 01:31 PM ET | Comments (2)

Get Your Marion Barry Questions Answered

Post columnist Bob McCartney today called for an investigation into the awarding of a city contract to Marion Barry's ex-girlfriend. McCartney will be online at noon ET today to take your questions about this and other local issues. Submit your questions to the discussion or come back at noon to...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | July 9, 2009; 10:43 AM ET | Comments (0)

Barry Spokeswoman: Ex Was Qualified, Delivered the Work

D.C. city councilman Marion Barry's office has called a late press conference for the second night in a row, this one set for 9 p.m. from the Wilson Building downtown. It's not known whether the councilman himself will make an appearance (he didn't last night) or whether special guests will...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | July 8, 2009; 08:25 PM ET | Comments (1)

Voicemails From Barry to Ex-Girlfriend Leaked Online

A series of voice mails in which Marion Barry alternately cajoles and spurns his ex-girlfriend, Donna Watts-Brighthaupt, were posted online today by Washington City Paper (note: clips and transcripts contain crude language). The alt weekly received the recordings from Watts-Brighthaupt's husband, Delonta, from whom she is separated. Some excerpts follow....

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | July 8, 2009; 06:01 PM ET | Comments (4)

Ex-Girlfriend Crashes Late-Night Barry News Conference

After The Post published a story online yesterday noting that city councilman Marion Barry had put his ex-girlfriend on the city payroll, the councilman's team hastily put together an 11 p.m. press conference to address the article, saying nothing improper occurred. During the news conference, Barry's spokeswoman also offered further...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | July 8, 2009; 10:11 AM ET | Comments (3)

Excerpts: Post Reporters on Barry

Post reporters Tim Craig and Nikita Stewart were online earlier today to discuss D.C. city councilman Marion Barry and his weekend arrest. Here are some excerpts from the discussion: Arlington, Va.: This is Barry's third run in with the Park Police since 2002 (suspected drug use in his car, driving...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | July 6, 2009; 02:49 PM ET | Comments (0)

Get Answers About Barry

Washington Post reporters Tim Craig and Nikita Stewart will be online at 1:30 p.m. ET to discuss councilman Marion Barry's weekend arrest on stalking charges. Craig and Stewart also can address other questions you have about District of Columbia government. Submit a question now and read the discussion live or...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | July 6, 2009; 12:53 PM ET | Comments (1)

Outrage, Support in Wake of Marion Barry Arrest

The news that D.C. Council member and former Mayor Marion Barry was arrested over the weekend for stalking an ex-girlfriend has drawn an outpouring of responses from readers. Opinions range from anger to passionate defenses of the embattled politician, showing Barry still divides the region after decades in politics. Here's...

By Washington Post Editors | July 6, 2009; 12:41 PM ET | Comments (9)

Council Approves Crime Bill In 10-3 Vote

The D.C. Council approved the latest version of a crime bill today in a 10 to 3 vote after continued debate about an amendment that would allow police to arrest and detain suspected gang members. Earlier this month, Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) proposed emergency crime legislation that included the...

By Nikita R Stewart | June 30, 2009; 03:25 PM ET | Comments (4)

Council Approves Convention Hotel Deal

The D.C. Council unanimously gave initial approval today to an agreement with developers to spend $272 million in public money to expedite the construction of a hotel and adjoining garage at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The legislation will likely get final approval next month. Though a few council...

By Nikita R Stewart | June 30, 2009; 02:01 PM ET | Comments (2)

DOES Director Says Summer Jobs Hiccups Being Resolved

Joseph Walsh Jr., director of the Department of Employment Services, told council members today that the agency has reassigned dozens of youths who lost their jobs last week after DOES terminated an agreement with a job placement firm. But some young people testified that they are still having problems, such...

By Nikita R Stewart | June 29, 2009; 05:24 PM ET | Comments (1)

Motley To Kick Off Campaign Tomorrow

Rev. Anthony Motley will kick off his campaign for D.C. Council tomorrow at Tony's Boxing Gym and Fitness Club in Southeast. The 60-year-old community activist - known most recently for being at the side of Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) during his kidney transplant - is running as an...

By Nikita R Stewart | June 26, 2009; 05:22 PM ET | Comments (2)

Same-Sex Marriage Battle Heads to Court

A group of seven opponents of a movement to legalize same-sex marriage in the District filed a lawsuit in D.C. Superior Court today to overturn a ruling by D.C. election officials that voters could not decide whether the District can recognize gay marriages performed in other jurisdictions. The opponents are...

By Vanessa Williams | June 17, 2009; 11:41 AM ET | Comments (90)

Wells to Probe New Beginnings, same story: Escape

D.C. Council member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) wants to chat with officials in the Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services. As promised, Wells today scheduled a June 10 oversight roundtable to determine how a junvenile inmate scaled a fence and fled the $46 million New Beginnings Youth Center in...

By Darryl Fears | June 3, 2009; 05:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

Council Okays Five-Cent Tax on Paper, Plastic Shopping Bags

The D.C. Council voted unanimously today to assess a 5-cent tax on paper and plastic bags to try to discourage their use, putting the District at the forefront of efforts nationwide to promote reusable shopping bags. The proposal, which must be voted on again later this month before it becomes...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | June 2, 2009; 03:11 PM ET | Comments (5)

Albert Takes Time Out on Last Day to Chide Council

Neil Albert could have spent his last day as Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development cleaning out his desk and saying goodbye to his soon-to-be former colleagues. He may have done some of those last-day-on-the-job things, but he also took time out to fire off a four-page, single-spaced letter...

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | June 1, 2009; 01:46 PM ET | Comments (1)

Ray Seriously Considering Council Run

Though the Democratic primary for an at-large seat on the D.C. Council is more than a year away, former D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation Director Clark Ray is already sounding like a candidate in the political wake of an effort launched by a broad coalition of District residents who...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 26, 2009; 05:58 PM ET | Comments (9)

Fenty Witnesses No-Show for Crime Bill Hearing

An aide from Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's administration who was scheduled to testify on behalf of the administration's crime bill was a no-show at a D.C. Council committee hearing this morning, drawing the ire of Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At-Large). About 45 minutes into the hearing by the Committee on...

By Vanessa Williams | May 18, 2009; 01:33 PM ET | Comments (4)

Peace at Last in Baseball Tickets Battle

The baseball ticket standoff between Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and the D.C. Council ended quietly Saturday when a young woman from the office of deputy mayor Neil O. Albert handed them over. Starting with Wednesday's game against Pittsburgh, the council members will have access to the 19 seats in Suite...

By William C Miller | May 17, 2009; 11:52 AM ET | Comments (6)

Committees: Bring A Bag Or Pay A Nickel

Two D.C. Council committees approved legislation today that would require consumers to pay 5 cents for paper or plastic bags at grocery stores, convenience stores and other retail outlets where food is involved. The Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act of 2009 could end up being the toughest law on...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 14, 2009; 01:02 PM ET | Comments (5)

D.C. Budget: More Reader Thoughts

With the council passing its version of the budget on to the mayor (full changes listed in this pdf), it seems like a good time to check out how readers remade city taxes and spending in washingtonpost.com's D.C. budget game. Below is a table that shows what percentage of readers...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | May 13, 2009; 03:45 PM ET | Comments (0)

Nickles: Fire Truck Witnesses Will Be No-Shows

Attorney General Peter J. Nickles says deputy fire Chief Ronald E. Gill Jr. and property disposal specialist Robin Booth will not be available for depositions in a D.C. Council probe into the donation of a fire truck and ambulance to a town in the Dominican Republic. The council Committee on...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 6, 2009; 05:31 PM ET | Comments (4)

D.C. Council Votes 12-1 to Recognize Other States' Gay Marriages

UPDATE 2: After further debate, a second vote was taken, with D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) deciding to vote against the proposal. The final count is 12-1 in favor of recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states. Read the full story. UPDATE: D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | May 5, 2009; 11:11 AM ET | Comments (116)

NIF Money Becomes Council Earmarks

Controversy over the Neighborhood Investment Fund, a pool of money that is supposed to be used to better the city's neglected neighborhoods, continued today when council members ended up using $10 million of it for earmarks. Activists and some council members are now scrambling to undo the work of the...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 29, 2009; 04:46 PM ET | Comments (0)

D.C. Police and the Quest for Public Information

The relationship between cops and reporters can be like oil and water. The tension comes from police wanting hold back information as to not jeopardize an investigation or reveal too much strategy to the bad guys. Meanwhile, a reporter's livelihood depends on information -- the more, the better. This story...

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | April 23, 2009; 02:38 PM ET | Comments (1)

Nickles and Gray Meet About Tickets

Attorney General Peter J. Nickles, the mayor's troubleshooter, said he met with Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) last night and one of the topics was, of course, tickets to the Washington Nationals' baseball games. The council is again wrestling with Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) over tickets to a...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 15, 2009; 12:54 PM ET | Comments (4)

Council Launches New Probe Into Fire Truck

Council members Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) and Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) have launched an official investigation into the saga over how and why a District fire truck and ambulance was donated, and subsequently returned, to a small town in the Dominican Republic. In a statement, the two members described...

By Tim Craig | April 9, 2009; 03:25 PM ET | Comments (1)

Catania Strikes on Gay Marriage While Iron Is Hot

The decision to put the District within striking distance of legalizing gay marriage came about in a closed-door meeting Monday night between Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) and members David A. Catania (I-At Large) and Phil Mendelson (D-At Large), sources say. Knowing Vermont legislators could overturn the governor's veto...

By Marcia Davis | April 8, 2009; 10:07 AM ET | Comments (2)

Upcoming Discussion: Councilman vs. Activist on Gay Marriage

At-large city councilman David Catania, who was the first openly gay member of the council, and Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage, will be online at 3:45 this afternoon to answer questions about today's council decision to recognize other states' gay marriages. Click here to submit...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | April 7, 2009; 03:19 PM ET | Comments (0)

Wells Pressing for a Delay in Property Taxes for Businesses on H Street NE and Seventh Street SE

Council member Tommy Wells ( D - Ward 6) is facing a mini-rebellion over his efforts to enact an emergency bill to give some businesses in his district additional time to pay their property taxes. At today's Council meeting, members will take up a proposal by Wells to grant the...

By Marcia Davis | April 7, 2009; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

Council Votes to Accept Other States' Gay Marriages

The D.C. Council has voted to recognize gay marriages performed in other states on the same day that Vermont became the fourth state to legalize same-sex unions. Domestic partnerships are already legal in the nation's capital. But yesterday's vote, billed as an important milestone in gay rights, explicitly recognizes relocated...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | April 7, 2009; 12:37 PM ET | Comments (17)

Council, Fenty Battling Over Labor Relations Nominees

The D.C. Council is set for another showdown with Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D). Though the council Committee on Government Operations and the Environment rejected the mayor's four nominees to the Public Employee Relations Board, Fenty has asked for a vote from the full council at Tuesday's legislative meeting. Council...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 7, 2009; 11:33 AM ET | Comments (0)

Roundtable on Vote Bill and Gun Amendment Tonight

The D.C. Council's Special Committee on Statehood and Self-Determination holds a roundtable tonight on the D.C. vote bill and the gun amendment at 6:30 at the John A. Wilson Building, room 412. About three dozen witnesses have signed up to testify, according to the office of Michael A. Brown (I-At...

By Marcia Davis | April 7, 2009; 07:30 AM ET | Comments (1)

Nickles Blocks Testimony

D.C. Attorney General Peter J. Nickles frustrated D.C. Council members yesterday after instructing Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's administration representatives not to testify before a budget hearing being conducted by Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3). The subjects: the fire truck controversy and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer....

By Marcia Davis | April 7, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (2)

Council Says No More (Unqualified) Friends

The D.C. Council is set for another showdown with Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D). Though the council Committee on Government Operations and the Environment rejected the mayor's four nominees to the Public Employee Relations Board, Fenty has asked for a vote from the full council at Tuesday's legislative meeting. Council...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 5, 2009; 07:00 PM ET | Comments (8)

Cheh Sets Oversight Hearing on OCTO and OCP

Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) is serious about her oversight role. She announced this afternoon that the Committee on Government Operations and the Environment budget oversight hearing is set for Monday. That includes the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) and the Office of Contracting and Procurement...

By Marcia Davis | April 3, 2009; 05:04 PM ET | Comments (1)

Fight Over Fire Truck Heats Up

Two District council members are calling on Fenty administration officials to detail their travel from December through February as part of a growing inquiry into how and why surplus fire apparatus was donated to a town in the Dominican Republic. In a letter to Chief Financial Officer Natwar M. Ghandi,...

By Marcia Davis | April 3, 2009; 03:25 PM ET | Comments (4)

Round Two on OCTO Probe

D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) now has subpoena power in an investigation of the Office of the Chief Technology Officer scandal, which came to light last month when the FBI made arrests--two employees and a contractor---and raided the agency's offices looking for evidence. The D.C. Council bumped...

By Marcia Davis | April 3, 2009; 07:47 AM ET | Comments (2)

Battle Over Bags at Wilson Building

Proposed legislation on a 5 cent tax on paper and plastic bags drew scores of supporters and opponents to the John A. Wilson Building yesterday during a hearing on the issue. Legislative sponsors say the move is an environmental effort to help clean up the Anacostia River. Opponents say the...

By Marcia Davis | April 2, 2009; 06:52 AM ET | Comments (2)

Opponents Try to Sack Bag Tax

Plastic bag makers are aggressively lobbying against legislation that could create the toughest restrictions in the country on plastic and paper bags. In anticipation of tomorrow's public hearing on the Anacostia River Cleanup & Protection Act of 2009, the Progressive Bag Affiliates of the American Chemistry Council have rallied some...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 31, 2009; 05:03 PM ET | Comments (7)

Standoff Continues

D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) held a meeting today to get briefed on the theft from the Office of the Chief Technology Officer that has already resulted in the arrests of two city employees and a contractor. But representatives of the Mayor Adrian M. Fenty administration were...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 30, 2009; 11:29 AM ET | Comments (4)

Council Members Will Skip Pay Raise

D.C. Council members will give up their automatic cost-of-living increases in fiscal 2010 in light of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's proposed $5.4 billion budget that lays off hundreds of employees and freezes salaries. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) said he talked to all 12 of his colleagues and they...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 28, 2009; 09:38 PM ET | Comments (15)

No Meeting, No Peace

The D.C. Council and Attorney General Peter Nickles are at again - this time over the scandal at the Office of the Chief Technology Officer. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) and Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) scheduled a Monday meeting to get briefed on the latest, high-profile...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 27, 2009; 06:28 PM ET | Comments (0)

Shower Stalled for Evans

Workers arrived in the office of Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) this week to figure out how to install a shower in his first-floor office - a luxury anytime, but especially when the mayor has proposed layoffs, salary freezes and other cuts. A shower would be so luxurious that...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 27, 2009; 02:15 PM ET | Comments (3)

Barry Reacts to Lax Tax News

The Post's Del Quentin Wilber has been reporting today that D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) owes the federal government more than $277,000 in back taxes and hasn't made a payment on undisclosed taxes owed to the D.C. government since July, according to federal authorities. Now, Barry reponds: "The...

By Hamil Harris | March 26, 2009; 05:20 PM ET | Comments (5)

Gray and Cheh Call for OCTO Briefing

Chairman Vincent C. Gray and Councilmember Mary M. Cheh wrote letters to the executive branch yesterday calling for a briefing on the scandal in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer. The FBI arrested a OCTO manager and contractor last week in an alleged kickback scam. A second OCTO employee...

By Marcia Davis | March 20, 2009; 07:32 AM ET | Comments (2)

Michael Brown Trying to Protect Council Salary

D.C. Council member Michael A. Brown (I-At Large) is fighting efforts to garnishee his council wages to help pay a more than $1 million judgment against him, two business partners, three related companies and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Authority. Bernard Miller, owner of Miller Copying Center, has been...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 19, 2009; 01:14 PM ET | Comments (2)

Where Did All The Gas Stations Go?

If you think it's hard to find a gas station in the District, you're right, according to D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5). Thomas introduced legislation today to encourage the construction and retention of gas stations by giving them tax breaks. The details, he said, would be worked...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 17, 2009; 10:41 AM ET | Comments (17)

31 Jobs Equals $76 Million?

D.C. Auditor Deborah K. Nichols is recommending that the city end the Certified Capital Companies program, which is run by the District Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, after concluding that it created just 31 jobs after $76 million in expenditures. The program was created in 2004 to "stimulate...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 13, 2009; 11:41 AM ET | Comments (26)

Regional Group Urges Congress To Drop Gun Amendment

The Council of Governments Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution today urging Congress to support a D.C. vote bill without an amendment attached that would strip the District of its authority to restrict firearms. D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) is president of the group known as COG...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 11, 2009; 02:43 PM ET | Comments (0)

Barry Returns to Council Chambers

Marion Barry took his seat in the D.C Council chambers this morning for the first time since surgery to receive a new kidney on Feb. 20. Barry drew applause and then laughter when he assured the audience: "I'd just like to tell everyone that I AM following the doctor's orders."...

By Marcia Davis | March 11, 2009; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (1)

Mendelson Tries To Get Region Involved In Voting Rights

D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) will try to get local officials in neighboring Maryland and Virginia involved in the city's fight for voting rights in Congress. Mendelson, president of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, will try to get his colleagues to sign on to a resolution that...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 10, 2009; 02:54 PM ET | Comments (0)

Campaign Worker Charged With Robberies

A man recently arrested and charged for a string of robberies in D.C. and a campaign worker who earned more than $5,000 on the campaigns of Adam Clampitt and now Council member Michael A. Brown (I-At Large) last year are one in the same. Ezra Mathis, 29, was arrested near...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 10, 2009; 10:12 AM ET | Comments (0)

In Wisdom We Trust: Media Defeats Council, 35-25, Behind Fox 5 Star

We admit it: When it comes to hoops, the D.C. Council was a lot better than the media expected. In the first annual council -media charity basketball game at Verizon Center this afternoon, the media figured we had a decided youth advantage. And with 16 players to the council's...

By David A Nakamura | March 9, 2009; 07:15 PM ET | Comments (2)

Council Unveils 'Revolutionary Mascot' for BBall Game

The trash talk is heating up for the big game today between the D.C. Council and media. After our post this morning about the media team, Michael Price and Charles Mason, aides to council member Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large), write in to D.C. Wire to detail the latest...

By David A Nakamura | March 9, 2009; 01:17 PM ET | Comments (1)

Birthday Cheers for Barry

Marion Barry got a rousing 73rd birthday greeting from fellow D.C. Council members and District staff this afternoon on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building after his release from the hospital. Dressed in a D.C. United warm up suit and fedora-style hat, he stepped from his car at...

By Marcia Davis | March 6, 2009; 05:47 PM ET | Comments (3)

Barry Released From Hospital

Ward 8 Council member Marion Barry (D) was released from the hospital at 1 p.m. today, Howard University Hospital spokesman Ron Harris said. Barry, who turns 73 today, had a kidney transplant on Feb. 20. The surgery was deemed a success and Barry was released from the hospital on Feb....

By Marcia Davis | March 6, 2009; 12:25 PM ET | Comments (1)

Brown to Fenty: 'Get D.C. Residents Job Training Now'

At-Large Councilmember Kwame Brown (D) didn't mince words when naming a bill he submitted in yesterday's D.C. Council legislative session. It's called the "Get D.C. Residents Training for Jobs Now Act." The act would compel Mayor Adrian M. Fenty to create a job training program for adults by opening certain...

By Darryl Fears | March 4, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (4)

Barry Absent From Council Meeting

Despite his plans to return to the D.C. Council meeting today, Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) was absent from the dais because of the doctor's orders. Barry was discharged last week from Howard University Hospital, one week after he under went kidney transplant surgery. "He really wanted to be here today,...

By Marcia Davis | March 3, 2009; 03:50 PM ET | Comments (0)

Council Confirms Lee For Commission

The D.C. Council voted 9 to 3 to confirm Lori M. Lee, a family friend of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D), to be one of three members on the Public Service Commission. The mayor recently withdrew Lee from consideration to head the commission after residents, some council members, environmentalists and...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 3, 2009; 01:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

Giving Up Gun Laws For Voting Rights?

The D.C. Council will hold a special legislative meeting today to approve a resolution that will declare the council's opposition to an amendment attached to the District voting rights bill by Senate Republicans that would significantly loosen the city's gun laws. The amendment would prohibit the District from enacting laws...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 3, 2009; 11:33 AM ET | Comments (24)

Update On UDC

D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) is expected to withdraw emergency legislation that would reverse recent controversial decisions of the board of trustees at the University of the District of Columbia. Council members learned this morning at a breakfast before today's legislative meeting that Barry would likely pull his...

By Nikita R Stewart | March 3, 2009; 10:23 AM ET | Comments (25)

Barry to Attend Council Meeting, Pushing UDC Bill

Marion Barry is set to attend the D.C. Council meeting today, after undergoing a kidney transplant on Feb. 20. He's charging back into the council with a bill that opposes the recent tuition increase at the University of the District of Columbia and the proposed new admission policies. As Nikita...

By Marcia Davis | March 3, 2009; 07:45 AM ET | Comments (1)

Barry to Launch Organ Donor Campaign

Note: Please upgrade your Flash plug-in to view our enhanced content. var thisObj = "flashobj022709X7v"; var so = new SWFObject("http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/mmedia/player/wpniplayer_blog.swf", thisObj, "454", "305", "8", "#ffffff"); so.addParam("allowScriptAccess", "always"); so.addParam("swfliveconnect", true); so.addVariable("thisObj", thisObj); so.addVariable("vid","022709-7v_title"); so.addVariable("playads", "yes"); so.addVariable("adserv",""); so.addVariable("autoStart", "no"); so.write("flashcontent022709X7v"); D.C. Council member Marion Barry, who left the hospital shortly after...

By Marcia Davis | February 27, 2009; 12:12 PM ET | Comments (10)

Vote React: Gray Hopeful on Bill, but Concerned About Guns

Yesterday's vote in the Senate for a bill to grant the District a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives--and its amendment stripping the city of its gun control legislation--has put D.C. in a challenging spot: Will winning a vote in Congress mean giving up legislative rights on guns? Here...

By Marcia Davis | February 27, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Vote React: Michael Brown

Feb. 26: "We have overcome another hurdle in our quest for full voting rights and our ultimate goal of statehood for the District of Columbia. The Senate has recognized the injustices that have plagued our residents for more than 200 years and we look forward to the final passage of...

By Marcia Davis | February 27, 2009; 06:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

Vote React: Kwame Brown

From Feb. 26: Today, the United States Senate passed the DC Voting Rights Act (S.160) by a vote of 61 to 37. The legislation was authored by Senators Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and overcame several hurdles before passing, including a filibuster, a constitutional point of order and...

By Marcia Davis | February 27, 2009; 06:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

Barry Donor Goes Home From Hospital

Kim Dickens, the 47-year-old woman who donated a kidney to D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8), has been discharged from Howard University Hospital. A Howard spokesman said the donor was discharged shortly before noon Tuesday, four days after undergoing a six-hour procedure. Dickens is a District native who has...

By Marcia Davis | February 25, 2009; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (9)

Brown wants prize fighting at the Armory, but would settle for roller skating

Mixed martial arts at the D.C. Armory? That's something D.C. Councilmember-At-Large Kwame Brown could fight for. He's also for big ticket boxing and a roller rink for the kids. These potential revenue generating ideas were discussed today at a hearing of the Committee on Economic Development, which Brown chairs....

By Darryl Fears | February 24, 2009; 08:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

Barry Out of Intensive Care

Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) has been upgraded and moved from intensive care to a regular room, his doctor said this afternoon. "He's doing very well, we transferred him this morning," said Clive O. Callender, who performed a kidney tansplant on the former mayor on Friday. Barry may be...

By Marcia Davis | February 23, 2009; 01:15 PM ET | Comments (7)

Barry Kidney Transplant Goes Well, News Conference Set

Marion Barry's kidney transplant was successfully completed, according to doctors at Howard University Hospital. Doctors are holding a news conference about the former mayor's condition at 10 a.m. today. Barry had planned to attend that news conference, but that may be unlikely as he continues his recovery....

By Marcia Davis | February 21, 2009; 08:27 AM ET | Comments (0)

Thomas Hopes Barry Has Speedy Recovery

D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) said he hopes colleague Marion Barry (D-Ward 8), scheduled to have a kidney transplant today, has a speedy recovery. "Councilmember Barry and I have close, personal relationship," he said in a news release. "He has been a family friend for many years."...

By Nikita R Stewart | February 20, 2009; 01:51 PM ET | Comments (0)

Gray on Barry's Operation

As Hamil R. Harris and Nikita Stewart reported in this morning's Washington Post, Councilmember Marion Barry is having a kidney transplant this afternoon. Doctors have said the operation has become fairly routine over the years, and Barry is optimistic enough to have scheduled a news conference for Saturday. D.C. Council...

By Marcia Davis | February 20, 2009; 10:25 AM ET | Comments (0)

Get Out of Jail....When?

It's 10 p.m., does the District know where its jail inmates are? Right now there's a city law that says jail inmates can't be released between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Attorney General Peter J. Nickles let it be known this week that he wants it repealed. He told Council...

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | February 20, 2009; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Marion Barry to Get Kidney Transplant

Barry has blamed his failure to file tax returns on his health woes. (Gerald Martineau/Post) D.C. Council member Marion Barry will undergo a kidney transplant tomorrow. "He was admitted to Howard University Hospital this morning, and his surgery is scheduled for Friday," said Bernadette Tolson, Barry's chief of staff. Dr....

By Mike McPhate | February 19, 2009; 12:11 PM ET | Comments (2)

Graham's Not In The Bag

Plenty of council members have signed on to join D.C. Council member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) to rid the city of plastic bags by imposing a five-cent fee on plastic and paper bags at grocery stores and other places where food is sold. Yesterday, he introduced the legislation aimed at...

By Nikita R Stewart | February 18, 2009; 06:00 AM ET | Comments (5)

Anti-Loitering or Unconstitutional?

D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) is once again proposing a bill that would prevent two or more people from gathering in "hot spots," areas known for criminal activity. Graham said at today's Committee of the Whole meeting that he proposed similar anti-loitering legislation in July 2005 and in...

By Nikita R Stewart | February 17, 2009; 11:02 AM ET | Comments (12)

Catania to Teach at GW's School of Public Health

Councilmember David Catania (At-Large) has accepted an appointment as a lecturer at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services (SPHHS), his office said in a statement just released. "I am very excited about the opportunity to teach at the GW School of Public Health; I look...

By Marcia Davis | February 11, 2009; 02:03 PM ET | Comments (0)

Council Roundtable on Stimulus Today

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray holds an oversight roundtable today to discuss the stimulus package in the District. "Priorities for the Use of Potential Funds for the District of Columbia from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Proposals Currently Under Consideration"---whew--- is set for 10 a.m. in Room 500 of...

By Marcia Davis | February 11, 2009; 08:44 AM ET | Comments (0)

Barry Awaiting a Kidney

Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) told Channel 9's Bruce Johnson that he is awaiting a kidney transplant....

By Marcia Davis | February 10, 2009; 10:00 PM ET | Comments (2)

Breaking News: Prosecutors Want Barry Jailed

Federal prosecutors this afternoon asked a federal judge to send D.C. Coucilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) to jail for not filing his most recent tax returns. By not filing his 2007 federal and D.C. tax returns on time, federal prosecutors alleged that Barry had violated the terms of his probation...

By Marcia Davis | February 9, 2009; 02:44 PM ET | Comments (8)

Hearing on Lead Contamination Set for Tuesday

Councilmembers Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) and Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) are holding a joint oversight hearing tomorrow at 11 a.m. with the District Department of the Environment and DC Water and Sewer Authority to discuss lead contamination and the quality of the city's drinking water. The hearing's focus is...

By Marcia Davis | February 9, 2009; 02:27 PM ET | Comments (0)

Wilson Building Chatter: Tangherlini In, Gandhi Out?

D.C. Wire went straight to the sources on chatter in the Wilson Building that's been circulating lately: Chief Financial Officer Natwar M. Gandhi would step aside and city administrator Dan Tangherlini would take his place with the nod from Congress, which appoints the fiscal chief. Both men were amused today....

By Nikita R Stewart | February 6, 2009; 01:56 PM ET | Comments (4)

CFO's Office Under Fire At Hearing

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) and Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) are currently focusing on missteps of the Office of Chief Financial Officer Natwar M. Gandhi at today's hearing on the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Inspector General Charles J. Willoughby testified earlier that the functions of the...

By Nikita R Stewart | February 6, 2009; 11:26 AM ET | Comments (5)

Law & Order in the District

It's a busy day on the law and order front. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty is announcing plans this morning to reintroduce his crime bill from last fall, and the public oversight hearing over subpoena powers for law enforcement officials is scheduled for noon today in room 412 at the John...

By Marcia Davis | February 6, 2009; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Vigil Is Set for Jose Sanchez Today

A White Vigil is scheduled today at 12:15 in memory of Jose Sanchez, the 31-year-old who died after being attacked last week. Sanchez lay on the ground in Columbia Heights for 20 minutes with his injuries before help was called. Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward1), who represents the area and is...

By Marcia Davis | February 6, 2009; 07:03 AM ET | Comments (3)

No Fine For Too Much Snow

The D.C. Council unanimously approved emergency legislation that will require drivers to remove frozen snow and ice from their vehicles. But the penalty will be a warning, not a $50 fine. The bill, introduced by Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5), was amended to eliminate the fine until a...

By Nikita R Stewart | February 3, 2009; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (5)

Remove Snow From Your Car ... Or Else

The D.C. Council will vote today on whether to require drivers to remove snow and ice from their vehicles or face a $50 fine or traffic school for failing to do so. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) said he came up with the emergency legislation when he was...

By Nikita R Stewart | February 3, 2009; 09:56 AM ET | Comments (3)

Gray: 'Guardedly Pleased' About D.C.'s Finances

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray released the following statement about the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, or the CAFR, in which the District received a "clean audit" yesterday. Nikita Stewart and David Nakamura write about the report in today's Washington Post. As the story notes, the District is counting on...

By Marcia Davis | February 3, 2009; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Barry to Fenty: 'Another Staggering Blow' to Poplar Project

Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry registered his frustrations about the fizzled partnership between the city and Clark Realty Capital development company on the Poplar Point project. Below is the letter he sent Mayor Adrian M. Fenty on Friday night. January 30, 2009 Honorable Adrian Fenty 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington,...

By Marcia Davis | January 31, 2009; 04:46 PM ET | Comments (8)

Graham Voted Chair of WMATA Board for 2nd Time

Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) today was elected chairman of the WMATA board for the second time. Councilmember Graham has been a member of the board since 1999 and previously served as chairman in 2003. He succeeds Christopher Zimmerman of Arlington County, Va....

By Marcia Davis | January 29, 2009; 05:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

D.C. Council Shuts Up

The D.C. Council Committee of the Whole meeting this morning lasted all of 30 minutes. Tops. The brevity can be attributed to new rules adopted by the council for the 18th legislative period. No more going on and on with introductions of legislation. Each council member is limited to introducing...

By Nikita R Stewart | January 27, 2009; 12:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

One Vote Isn't Enough, Thomas Says

Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) released a statement moments ago saying he applauded Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton's efforts on The Hill, but he was quick to add that a vote is not going to be enough for representation of District residents. "While bill H.R. 157 signals a very welcomed...

By Marcia Davis | January 27, 2009; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (2)

"...Anything for Obama"

The list of swearing-in victims extends to D.C. Council members, but at least they got in. Eleven members arrived to their seats in front of the Capitol only to discover that there were none. Like trying to find a spot at a movie theater when the feature film has already...

By Nikita R Stewart | January 22, 2009; 04:03 PM ET | Comments (2)

Council Knocks Down Subpoena Power for Lanier

The D.C. Council started its new session in a fight with Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's administration over the subpoena power for D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier. As Hamil R. Harris reported in this morning's Washington Post, the council is concerned about protecting the civil rights of D.C. residents, but...

By Marcia Davis | January 7, 2009; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Council Chair Gray on Schools, Guns and More

Earlier this afternoon, D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray took washingtonpost.com readers' questions. Here are some excerpts from the discussion: Temple Hills, Md.: Chancellor Rhee has put over 400 certified and tenured (including special education) teachers on probation in order to terminate them by the end of March. Will they...

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | January 5, 2009; 01:24 PM ET | Comments (0)

Question the Council Chairman

Vincent C. Gray, chairman of Council of the District of Columbia, will be online today at noon on washingtonpost.com to discuss the issues facing the council when it begins a new session this week. Submit questions and comments or read the discussion....

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | January 5, 2009; 11:42 AM ET | Comments (0)

Affordable Housing Gets A Lot of Attention

There was a lot of talk about affordable housing at yesterday's marathon D.C. Council meeting. Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) and Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) led the charge on increasing parking fees to support a popular housing program and eliminating a housing authority list where the wait an apartment with affordable...

By Marcia Davis | December 17, 2008; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (0)

Marathon Council Meeting Highlights

It was more than 13 hours of legislating for the last council meeting of the year and the session. Nikita Stewart and Hamil Harris hung in until the very end, and got to see the council in full tradition mode, as members honored their departing colleague Carol Schwartz (R-At Large)....

By Marcia Davis | December 17, 2008; 09:44 AM ET | Comments (0)

D.C. Gun Legislation Passes; Gray Recounts a Close Call From His Youth

The D.C. Council passed the Fire Arms Registration Amendment Act of 2008 earlier this afternoon with the provision that all District gun owners be required to undergo five hours of gun safety training. The 10-to-3 vote came after a spirited discussion by council members, including a personal story from Council...

By Marcia Davis | December 16, 2008; 04:08 PM ET | Comments (9)

D.C. Council Holding Last Meeting of the Session

Today is a busy legislative day for the D.C. Council as it closes out this session's business. In what likely will be another marathon meeting---the last went until about 9 p.m.--the council will consider a number of critical pieces of legislation. It will take a second vote of Councilmember Marion...

By Marcia Davis | December 16, 2008; 09:41 AM ET | Comments (1)

Council Releases Report on OTR

Update, 4:45 p.m.: D.C. Chief Financial Officer Natwar M. Gandhi said today he will adopt one of the report's key recommendations and create a new position: Chief Risk Officer. Original post: The D.C. Council today released its investigation of the Office of Tax and Revenue's nearly $50 million scandal, saying...

By Marcia Davis | December 15, 2008; 12:43 PM ET | Comments (2)

Drivers Sound Off on Plan to Hike Meter Rate

The D.C. Council will be considering Jim Graham's legislation tomorrow to raise the rate on parking meters. The idea gets a cold reception from residents who street park regularly....

By Mike McPhate | December 15, 2008; 11:43 AM ET | Comments (2)

Cheh Moves a Step Closer on Subpoena for Sequoia Voting Systems

The inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama may be around the corner and the District of Columbia's Board of Elections and Ethics may have certified the Nov. 4th vote, but the business of the District's election problems are far from over. And when we say election problems, we're not even talking...

By Marcia Davis | December 10, 2008; 12:39 PM ET | Comments (0)

Barry to Hold Roundtable on Poverty Thursday

Council member Marion Barry, (D-Ward 8) and chair of the committee of housing and urban affairs, has set up a roundtable for 10 a.m. on Thursday at the John A. Wilson Building, room 500, on resolution PR17-1175, the "Sense of the Council in Support of Reducing Poverty in the District...

By Marcia Davis | December 8, 2008; 04:22 PM ET | Comments (0)

Gray Has to Answer to Baltimore

Yesterday wasn't a great day for Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray, at least in the betting department. D.C. Wire told you last month about the bet the chairman made with his Baltimore counterpart Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. The two legislators exchanged letters and talked a lot of trash about which team was...

By Marcia Davis | December 8, 2008; 09:52 AM ET | Comments (1)

Inauguration Boozing: Change You Can Believe In?

The D.C. Council last night approved legislation allowing bars to serve alcohol until 5 a.m. -- three hours later than usual -- and serve food round-the-clock from Jan. 17 until the morning after Barack Obama's swearing-in on Jan. 20....

By Mike McPhate | December 3, 2008; 12:11 PM ET | Comments (1)

Council Votes for Verizon's FIOS

Update: 5:47 The Council has just voted in support of FIOS in its first vote on the legislation. The council is required to take a final vote in the coming months, but given the support it has received----though Jack Evans has voiced his concerns (see below)---it's a safe bet that...

By Marcia Davis | December 2, 2008; 05:22 PM ET | Comments (5)

Barry on the Offense Over Sex Abuse Bill

UPDATE: 5 p.m. The council voted 12-to-1 to pass the Intrafamily Offense Act of 2008, with Marion Barry casting the lone dissent. Barry had challenged At-Large Democrat Phil Mendelson, who had rejected a bill from Barry in the council's judiciary committee last week. The bill had been designed to drop...

By Marcia Davis | December 2, 2008; 12:17 PM ET | Comments (4)

Let the Good Times Roll

The D.C. Council is considering Jim Graham's legislation today to allow restaurants, bars and other establishments that sell alcohol to be open around the clock for a five-day period during the Inauguration. "This is absolutely a unique opportunity, and we want our night life to participate in all of the...

By Marcia Davis | December 2, 2008; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (0)

Turkey Day for Barry

It's turkey time and Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) is planning to give away 1,200 birds starting at 9 a.m. This is Barry's fourth annual Thanksgiving giveaway. The council member will distribute the turkeys at Union Temple Church, at 1225 W Street, S.E., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The...

By Marcia Davis | November 25, 2008; 07:22 AM ET | Comments (0)

Gray Is Taking It to the Streets

Age don't mean a thing if you are Chuck Brown and still have that go-go swing. That's the sentiment of D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray, who proposed yesterday to name a street after the District's most legendary go-go groove master. Brown, still going strong in his 70s, responded by...

By Marcia Davis | November 25, 2008; 07:15 AM ET | Comments (1)

Cheh Releases Statement on Chevy Chase Deaths

Council member Mary M. Cheh released the following statement regarding the slayings of Michael and Virginia Spevak in Chevy Chase over the weekend. The two, well-known for their community activism, were found in their home in what police are calling a double homicide. WASHINGTON - I am deeply saddened by...

By Marcia Davis | November 24, 2008; 03:02 PM ET | Comments (0)

Board to Certify Brown's Election on Monday

The D.C. Board of Election and Ethics has notified officials from the D.C. Republican Party that their challenge to Michael Brown for the at-large D.C. Council seat doesn't have merit. The party said this week that Brown's victory in the Nov. 4th election is uncertifiable because Brown violated D.C. law...

By Marcia Davis | November 22, 2008; 09:15 AM ET | Comments (1)

DC Republicans: Brown Not Qualified to Serve

The D.C. Republican Party is challenging Michael Brown's victory for the At-large seat on the D.C. Council because he didn't officially change his party affiliation from Democrat to Inpendent to comply with election laws that one of the winning candidates has to belong to a minority party. "We are filing...

By Hamil Harris | November 20, 2008; 04:53 PM ET | Comments (1)

Quotes From the Vote Over Nickles

One of the most interesting votes in yesterday's fight over the confirmation of Peter J. Nickles as attorney general belongs to At-Large member Kwame R. Brown. The council voted 7 to 5 for Nickles, as Nikita Stewart and Hamil R. Harris report in today's Washington Post. Brown, however, voted present....

By Marcia Davis | November 19, 2008; 07:11 AM ET | Comments (1)

Bulletin: Nickles Is Confirmed

The D.C. Council voted to confirm Peter J. Nickles as the attorney general today in a 7 to 5 vote. Chairman Vincent C. Gray supported Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's nominee, and Democratic At-Large member Kwame Brown voted present. The battle over Nickles's future began with a dramatic development in the...

By Marcia Davis | November 18, 2008; 05:19 PM ET | Comments (14)

Council Gives $50 Million to Housing Program

After much debate, the D.C. Council passed preliminary legislation to stabilize funding for the city's first-time home-buyers program, providing $50 million to fund it. "I can't imagine anyone on this council being against this issue," said D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray. "We need to recognize that we are going...

By Marcia Davis | November 18, 2008; 04:07 PM ET | Comments (5)

Votes Lining Up in Fight Over Nickles

D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) told D.C. Wire that if Peter J. Nickles is not confirmed as the District's Attorney General this afternoon "It will be the equivalent to political nuclear war between the mayor and the D.C. Council." But Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At-large) rebuffed Graham's dooms...

By Marcia Davis | November 18, 2008; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (9)

Stage Is Set for a Battle Over Nickles Today

The D.C. Council is set to vote today on the confirmation of the Acting Attorney General Peter J. Nickles, who finds himself the focus of controversy. The judiciary committee's 3-2 vote against Nickles has set the stage for an interesting day, as Hamil Harris notes in this morning's news story....

By Marcia Davis | November 18, 2008; 07:11 AM ET | Comments (2)

Council Panel Votes Against Nickles as Attorney General Nominee

UPDATE: 4:10 D.C. Councilmembers Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), each voted in support of Nickles in committee this morning. Despite the report strongly criticizing the acting attorney general on issues ranging from his lack of a D.C. residence to his close relationship with Mayor Adrian M....

By Marcia Davis | November 17, 2008; 01:42 PM ET | Comments (25)

Clampitt To Afghanistan

Adam Clampitt, the at-large council candidate who dropped out of the race and endorsed Michael A. Brown, has been called to duty. Clampitt, a U.S. Navy Reserve lieutenant, said he will report to processing in Norfolk on Jan. 2 and should be in Kabul by Feb. 1. "I guess I...

By Nikita R Stewart | November 17, 2008; 09:14 AM ET | Comments (2)

Gray and His B'More Counterpart Bet on Football

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray spent the day with Stephanie Rawlngs-Blake, president of the Baltimore City Council. The two exchanged ideas about school reform, visited the Verizon Center, dined at Clyde's restaurant and traveled across the Anacostia River to see the new Giant grocery and shopping center in Ward...

By Marcia Davis | November 14, 2008; 04:41 PM ET | Comments (0)

ANC Candidate Tells Council Panel He Wasn't on Ballot

Kent Slowinski, who ran for ANC for the single member district 3D01, told the council's special committee on District voting that after the Nov. 4th election he received a number of emails and calls from residents said they could not find him on their ballots. Slowinski lost by 16 votes....

By Marcia Davis | November 13, 2008; 03:08 PM ET | Comments (0)

Cheh Holds Second Hearing on Voting in District

Council member Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) is holding a roundtable today on voting in the District. Cheh is head of the council's special committee set up by Chairman Vincent C. Gray to get to the bottom of why the city's Board of Elections and Ethics can't seem to get votes...

By Marcia Davis | November 13, 2008; 07:15 AM ET | Comments (0)

Cheh Presses Sequoia on Voting Machines

Election software is a big part of the problem in the city's seemingly inability to properly count votes accurately and efficiently, according to Councilmember Mary M. Cheh, chairperson of the special council committee investigating the issue. After the Nov. 4th general election, Cheh said she's determined that there are irregularities...

By Marcia Davis | November 12, 2008; 09:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Council Approves $46 Million Budget Freeze

The D.C. Council passed its $46 million budget freeze in a heated meeting yesterday that started off with protests outside the John A. Wilson Building. Advocates of low-income residents protested, hoping to delay the vote to give time to find alternatives to the trims, but their efforts were thwarted. The...

By Marcia Davis | November 11, 2008; 08:30 AM ET | Comments (1)

Council, Activists Battle Over Budget Cuts

The fifth floor of the John A. Wilson Building was packed with hundreds of city residents as members of the D.C. Council debated whether to pass tens of millions in budget cuts for fiscal year 2009. Council Chairman Vince C. Gray found himself at odds with Council member Marion Barry...

By Marcia Davis | November 10, 2008; 02:33 PM ET | Comments (0)

Low-Income Advocates Protesting at Wilson Building Over Proposed Budget Cuts

Advocates for low-income residents are planning to protest in front of the John A. Wilson Building at 9 a.m. today in anticipation of the D.C. Council's budget vote set for this afternoon. The advocates say low-income residents would bear a disproportionate burden of the cuts that lawmakers are proposing for...

By Marcia Davis | November 10, 2008; 08:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

Wells Holds Hearing on Fenty Housing Plan for Homeless

Stefana Washington said living in a $52-a-month storage bend in Northwest Washington was a better life than living in one of the city's emergency shelters, but after four years his frustrations were building to a dangerous level. "I was either going public or postal," the 36-year-old former homeless man told...

By Marcia Davis | October 31, 2008; 03:29 PM ET | Comments (0)

Kwame Brown and Cheh Team Up For Tenley

Council members Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large) and Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) issued a joint press release today that voices their opposition to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's plan for a mixed-use development for the site that includes Janney Elementary School and the former Tenley-Friendship Library. They also sent a letter...

By Nikita R Stewart | October 29, 2008; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (2)

Sitting On Another Nomination?

The D.C. Council's vote to block the appointments of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's five recent nominees to the board of trustees at the University of the District of Columbia isn't the only legislative action irking the mayor lately. Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3), chairman of Public Services and...

By Nikita R Stewart | October 22, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Life After the Council: Harold Brazil Arrested at Tattoo Parlor

Harold Brazil, the former D.C. council member, was arrested last night after allegedly getting into a fight with an employee at a Georgetown tattoo parlor. Yep, you read it right. Washington Post staff writer Clarence Williams reports that it took three employees to subdue Brazil, 59. Pregnant pause with stunned...

By Marcia Davis | October 10, 2008; 07:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

A Pox on Board of Elections and Sequoia

Both the Board of Elections and Ethics and Sequoia Voting Systems, the company that supplies the District's voting equipment, share responsibility for the confusion during the Sept. 9 primary when phantom write-in votes wrecked havoc with the city's election results, according to a D.C. Council report. Council member Mary M....

By Marcia Davis | October 8, 2008; 04:48 PM ET | Comments (0)

Mara Picks Up More Business Support

The morning after candidates squared off in a debate for the at-large seat on the D.C. Council, the Greater Washington Board of Trade has endorsed Patrick Mara because he "understands that a friendly business climate in DC will create good paying jobs for District families," according to board president and...

By Hamil Harris | October 8, 2008; 02:27 PM ET | Comments (4)

Expletives Over Easy

The controversial Franklin Shelter issue exploded into an expletive-filled argument over breakfast this morning before D.C. Council members went into a legislative meeting where Council member Marion Barry plans to introduce emergency legislation that would require beds for the homeless in the downtown business area. Downtown is in Ward 2....

By Nikita R Stewart | October 7, 2008; 11:29 AM ET | Comments (12)

Barry Challenges Fenty, Calls for Downtown Shelter for Homeless

D.C.Councilmember Marion Barry will introduce emergency legislation today that calls for the Mayor Adrian M. Fenty to make sure there are beds for the homeless in the downtown business area. The bill is in response to the recent controversial closing of the Franklin Shelter at 13th and K streets NW....

By Hamil Harris | October 7, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (13)

Board of Elections Struggling to Mount Its Defense

In an effort to reassure voters that the Nov. 4 presidential election will be nothing like the District's voter debacle in September, members of the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics have launched an unofficial campaign to restore the public's confidence in the office. Board of Elections chairman Erroll Arthur...

By Marcia Davis | October 6, 2008; 04:15 PM ET | Comments (1)

CM Barry Gets Stitches After Fall

D.C. Wire just got this announcement from council member Marion Barry's office: Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry was treated and released from Greater South East Hospital this morning suffering from minor injuries to his face after accidentally falling down while out walking earlier in Anacostia Park. Mr. Barry received a...

By David A Nakamura | October 6, 2008; 12:38 PM ET | Comments (21)

Silverman at Council Hearing: Still Don't Know If Election Results Are Accurate

"What voters expect of elections are accuracy, confidence and finality, and we didn't get that at its highest value on Sept. 9," said Cary Silverman, a candidate for the Ward 2 council seat. "We still don't know if the results are accurate today." Silverman was testifying at today's hearing on...

By Marcia Davis | October 3, 2008; 03:04 PM ET | Comments (2)

Cheh Opens Council Hearing on Election Problems

Saying the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics "essentially shut down" on the night of the Sept. 9 primary when thousands of phantom votes wrecked havoc with the results, Council member Mary Cheh opened a hearing this morning about the mishap with the stated goal of making sure the Nov....

By Marcia Davis | October 3, 2008; 12:09 PM ET | Comments (8)

Council Returns to Business

The D.C. Council resumes its business today. It returns with a full agenda, from gun lesgislation to school reform to homelessness. The council has also launched an investigation into the Board of Elections and Ethics and the problems during the vote count last week during the primary. Four council members,...

By Marcia Davis | September 16, 2008; 07:15 AM ET | Comments (3)

Thomas Lends Support to Postal Workers

Council Member Harry Thomas Jr. has joined in the push to get a government briefing for postal workers at the Brentwood facility contaminated by anthrax in 2001. Thomas (D-Ward 5), who represents the community where the facility is located, said the government hasn't done enough to brief the workers and...

By Marcia Davis | August 16, 2008; 10:54 AM ET | Comments (0)

Cary Silverman: Defender Of Big Tobacco?

Cary Silverman, who is forging a David vs. Goliath race against Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans, was called "a gun industry lobbyist" in a news release last week by Evans's campaign. The release attacked lawyer Silverman's comments at a debate between he and Evans, held at the Phillips Collection...

By Nikita R Stewart | August 14, 2008; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (6)

Kwame Brown Picks Up SEIU Endorsement

D.C. Council member Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large), who worked last year as a security guard to understand the plight of the profession, became the latest council incumbent to get the endorsement of the State Council of the Service Employees International Union. The labor group issued a media release, pointing...

By Nikita R Stewart | August 13, 2008; 12:00 PM ET | Comments (3)

Schwartz and Mara in a Tight Money Race, Too

Competing media releases have gone out in the money contest between Council member Carol Schwartz (R-At Large) and Patrick Mara, her challenger in the GOP primary on Sept. 9. Schwartz, a longtime incumbent, has raised nearly $110,000, including a personal loan of $40,356, according to campaign finance reports available online....

By Marcia Davis | August 11, 2008; 07:11 PM ET | Comments (8)

From Foe to Friend to Fundraiser

Council member Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large), running unopposed on the ballot in the Sept. 9 Democratic primary, has already turned in his latest campaign finance report, due electronically by midnight. He has passed the half-million dollar mark with the help of lots of $1,000 contributions from developers, including Douglas...

By Nikita R Stewart | August 11, 2008; 02:06 PM ET | Comments (1)

The School Grounds Inspector

"Can you smell what I'm smelling?" D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) was picking up the scent of mold in a sixth grade classroom at John Eaton Elementary School Friday afternoon. She was pretty sure she had a fix on it. "I'd be interested to see what's under...

By Marcia Davis | August 11, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (3)

Cheh Joins the Opposition to Tenley Project

The group of critics of the development project at the site of the former Tenley-Friendship Library has a new member: Councilmember Mary M. Cheh. She has serious reservations about the current proposal, which might reduce green space at the neighboring Janney Elementary School. Cheh (D-Ward 3) had strongly supported construction...

By Marcia Davis | August 9, 2008; 08:00 AM ET | Comments (38)

Barry Demanding Answers on Payroll Pandemonium

District youth are getting a tough lesson about the working world, thanks to the District government. Hundreds of young workers in the city's summer jobs program are frustrated because they have been underpaid, and worst, not paid at all. (Some have actually been overpaid, too, and that, of course, is...

By Marcia Davis | July 22, 2008; 07:51 AM ET | Comments (0)

Cheh Calls for Public Forums on CareFirst

The D.C. Council's Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs would like to hear from you if you're a subscriber to CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (non-HMO) health insurance. Committee chair Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3), who is leading an investigation of CareFirst's compliance with its nonprofit mission, is hosting community forums...

By Marcia Davis | July 16, 2008; 04:00 PM ET | Comments (46)

D.C. Council summer recess? Not Quite Yet!

For those who can't get enough of Jim Graham, Vincent C. Gray and Marion Barry, you're in luck. The D.C. Council will hold a special session on Thursday, delaying its summer recess, which was to begin today. The decision to hold the Thursday meeting came late Tuesday night, as the...

By Elissa Silverman | July 16, 2008; 07:30 AM ET | Comments (4)

Gun Legislation Wins Unanimous Vote in D.C. Council

In a meeting that went well into the night, the D.C. Council unanimously voted for emergency legislation that ended the city's gun ban and put in place new regulations to restrict guns but is also meant to honor the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling against the strict ban that had been...

By Marcia Davis | July 16, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Final Legislative Meeting for Council

The D.C. Council has a lot to wrap up today, its final legislative session before recessing until September. Put the emergency gun bill announced yesterday at the top of the list. That proposed legislation, which calls for residents to pass eye and written exams, complete background checks and submit their...

By Marcia Davis | July 15, 2008; 10:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

New Gun Regulations Announced Today

District residents will be able to keep a handgun in the home for self-defense but that right would be limited to the home and not outside it, city leaders said today, announcing new gun regulations in response to the Supreme Court's recent ruling striking down the city's handgun ban....

By Marcia Davis | July 14, 2008; 04:36 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hearing on Baby's Death Today

Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) is seeking answers in a hearing this morning on the death of 6-month-old Isiah Garcia, who died on June 25th. A social worker in the Child and Family Services Agency had never seen the child, who had been reported to the agency for neglect. Mayor Adrian...

By Marcia Davis | July 14, 2008; 08:08 AM ET | Comments (0)

Mendelson Introducing Emergency Gun Bill

Councilmember Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) has decided to submit his gun bill as emergency legislation, the councilmember said today. Last week Mendelson introduced a bill that would end the city's handgun ban and make it legal for residents to keep firearms in their homes without requirements that trigger locks be...

By Marcia Davis | July 8, 2008; 05:01 PM ET | Comments (3)

A New Gang Strategy?

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham are teaming up this morning to announce a new gang strategy. The two will be sharing their plan at the Reeves Center at 10:15 am....

By Marcia Davis | July 8, 2008; 08:24 AM ET | Comments (0)

Roundtable on Guns at Council Today

District Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) is holding a roundtable at noon today to discuss last week's Supreme Court ruling that struck down the city's strict handgun ban. Yesterday Mendelson introduced a bill that would overturn the ban and give those who say their weapons are for "immediate self...

By Marcia Davis | July 2, 2008; 07:30 AM ET | Comments (2)

School Letter-Writing Campaign to Council

School Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee and Allen Y. Lew, head of the school modernization efforts, teamed up late yesterday in a letter-writing campaign to the District Council. They want to make absolutely sure that the council is absolutely clear that if it doesn't pass the $83 million in building repair...

By Marcia Davis | July 1, 2008; 08:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Mendelson to Introduce Bill to Repeal Gun Ban

Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) has decided to introduce legislation tomorrow that will address the Supreme Court ruling on the city's gun ban. The bill would repeal the prohibition on handguns. He made the announcement at the council's news briefing held in preparation for tomorrow's meeting. It would still...

By Marcia Davis | June 30, 2008; 10:59 AM ET | Comments (17)

Council Members React To High Court Ruling

Several D.C. Council members issued statements yesterday about the Supreme Court ruling on the city's gun ban. Here's what they had to say: Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) issued a statement that was a lengthy explanation about what happens now. On a personal note, he said this: "Although I am...

By Nikita R Stewart | June 27, 2008; 12:48 AM ET | Comments (4)

Barry, Others Call for EPA Tests

Surrounded by TV crews and other media, Council Member Marion Barry and a few concerned activists, stood outside Anacostia High School this morning and called for EPA testing of school athletic fields. The group said it's concerned that the toxic silica sand has been used in the renovations of six...

By Marcia Davis | June 25, 2008; 12:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

Barry, Activists Calling for EPA Testing on School Fields

Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) is holding a news conference this morning alongside community activists, parents and educators outside Anacostia High School to demand the EPA do immediate testing on all public school and recreation fields for toxins associated with silica sand. Activists say the fields refurbished by the...

By Marcia Davis | June 25, 2008; 07:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

City Pushing Back Hard at CareFirst

The Committee on Public Services and Consumer Affairs voted today to investigate Group Hospitalization and Medical Services, Inc., CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (GHMSI), and its parent company, CareFirst, Inc. And in a second blow, interim Attorney General Peter J. Nickles has announced he is entering a lawsuit against CareFirst, trying to...

By Marcia Davis | June 24, 2008; 04:45 PM ET | Comments (0)

Gertrude Stein Gives Brown Its Support

The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club has endorsed At-Large Council member Kwame R. Brown, saying Brown "has worked hard to ensure equal rights" for the District's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Brown was cited for his continued support for the rights of domestic partnerships, including co-sponsoring legislation that would allow...

By Marcia Davis | June 20, 2008; 08:07 AM ET | Comments (0)

Local GOP Endorses Schwartz

The D.C. Republican Committee endorsed D.C. Council member Carol Schwartz (At-Large) last night for both the primary and general elections, but Patrick Mara the candidate challenging Schwartz in the primary said he's pressing ahead. So far, the GOP primary is emerging as one of the more interesting races in a...

By Marcia Davis | June 17, 2008; 04:15 PM ET | Comments (0)

Police Checkpoints Debated at Hearing

The police are off the barricades in the District's Trinidad neighborhood--for now. But the debate over whether checkpoints in the violence-plagued area are doing more harm than good rages on. At a D.C. Council public safety committee hearing this afternoon, foes and fans of the plan continue the debate over...

By Marcia Davis | June 16, 2008; 04:50 PM ET | Comments (0)

Hearing on Policing Checkpoints

Council Member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) holds a hearing on the city's controversial police checkpoints today and the concerns the policy has raised about civil liberties. Last week, the Metropolitan Police Department ended its checkpoint in the Northeast neighborhood of Trinidad. The checkpoint, in which police questioned motorists trying to...

By Marcia Davis | June 16, 2008; 07:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

Cheh Stands Her Ground on Klingle Road

Nearly 20 advocates of reopening Klingle Road flowed through the Firehook Bakery yesterday afternoon during D.C. Council Member Mary M. Cheh's (D-Ward 3) constituent hours, which took place at a sunny pair of tables near the front. Cheh periodically holds open hours, but these were some of the more contentious,...

By Marcia Davis | June 15, 2008; 07:50 AM ET | Comments (0)

Checkpoint Ends, Thomas Calls for Meeting in Trinidad

Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) is hosting a meeting in the Trinidad community tonight to begin, he says, "the healing process" after a wave of violence in the Northeast neighborhood. That violence yielded a controversial police checkpoint program in which officers stopped motorists trying to access one street...

By Marcia Davis | June 13, 2008; 08:00 AM ET | Comments (5)

Cheh to Host Chat

Updated: As it turns out, Saturday's scheduled conversation with Council Member Mary M. Cheh at the Firehook Bakery is one of Cheh's occassional conversations shes hosts with constituents. (The D.C. Wire had incorrectly gave the impression that The Coalition to Repair and Reopen Klingle Road was holding the event.) It...

By Marcia Davis | June 12, 2008; 11:18 AM ET | Comments (2)

Hearing Set on Controversial Initiatives

A hearing on the D.C. police department's recent initiatives to root out crime - Safe Homes, Video Interoperability for Public Safety and Neighborhood Safety Zones - will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at the John A. Wilson Building. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) , chairman of the Committee...

By Nikita R Stewart | June 9, 2008; 04:32 PM ET | Comments (0)

More Council Members Criticize Lanier Checkpoint

As Post staff writers Allison Klein and Nikita Stewart report this morning, the criticism is growing among council members for Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier and Mayor Adrian Fenty's decision to set up a police checkpoint on a street in the Northeast neighborhood of Trinidad, where deadly violence has been...

By Marcia Davis | June 6, 2008; 07:15 AM ET | Comments (2)

Gray Has Questions About Police Checkpoint

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray told the D.C. Wire late last night that he has some questions about Police Chief Cathy Lanier's plans to set up a checkpoint on a street in Trinidad, the Northeast neighborhood that has been plagued by violence in recent months. Lanier, with Mayor Adrian...

By Marcia Davis | June 5, 2008; 11:44 AM ET | Comments (2)

Council Approves Noise Bill, or Does It?

UPDATED: Full story on Noise vote... The D.C. Council gave final approval today to a heavily amended noise bill in a 9 to 4 vote after a hard-hitting lobbying campaign by labor unions that several council members described as mean-spirited and unfairly targeted at two members who are up for...

By Nikita R Stewart | June 3, 2008; 01:59 PM ET | Comments (0)

Gray, Wells Introduce Charter School Legislation

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) and Council member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) introduced a bill today that would change how charter schools are regulated. It would require members of the D.C. Public Charter School Board to live in the District, require a 15-month planning period of newly approved...

By Marcia Davis | June 3, 2008; 01:46 PM ET | Comments (0)

Ban On Fireworks Appears to Be Fizzling

D.C. Council member Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6) said this morning that he will propose an amendment to emergency legislation that could ban fireworks a month before the Fourth of July. There would be an 11 p.m. curfew instead of the outright ban proposed by Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1)...

By Nikita R Stewart | June 3, 2008; 10:38 AM ET | Comments (0)

Mendelson May Try to Derail City's Camera Program

D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) says he may propose language in the Budget Support Act today that would block the city's camera surveillance program. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced the initiative, VIPS, or the Video Interoperability for Public Safety Program, in April. The plan, which has agitated several...

By Marcia Davis | June 3, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

No Tanzania Trip For Barry

Marion Barry was in still in town doing council business today, even though he told us last week he was headed to Tanzania for a leadership conference. When asked by the Post why he didn't go, Barry said only that there was some "emergency council business" that he did not...

By David A Nakamura | June 2, 2008; 06:01 PM ET | Comments (0)

Vendors Draw Straws for Choice Spots

At 5 p.m. today, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs will hold a lottery for 28 street vending spots around Nationals Park. The ballpark has been a sore subject for longtime peddlers who said the city was blocking them from selling hats and hot dogs in front of the...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 29, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (2)

Let's Go Down This Road Again

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) and council members met for breakfast this morning to hear presentations on smoke detectors, pedestrian safety and other topics. But somehow, Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1), still bitter about the council's decision to keep Klingle Road closed, brought the conversation around to, well, Klingle...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 28, 2008; 10:45 AM ET | Comments (0)

Gray's House Broken Into While He Was Home

District Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray's house was burglarized early Monday morning while he was home, the chairman said today. Gray said he must have been asleep during the break-in because he did not hear the boulder that came through his basement window. He lost a receiver from his stereo,...

By Marcia Davis | May 27, 2008; 12:07 PM ET | Comments (0)

In Case You Missed It:

District Council member Mary M. Cheh decided yesterday to table her energy bill after being pelted with questions from council colleagues and heavy lobbying from utility companies such as Pepco. A big sticking point: aid to the poor to help pay utility bills. Also, auditor Deborah K. Nichols issued a...

By Marcia Davis | May 22, 2008; 07:30 AM ET | Comments (0)

Toasting Kingle Road's Demise

Updated: 5:01 p.m. Environmentalists really know how to rub it in. They plan to take a hike June 1 in Klingle Valley and then drink champagne to celebrate the D.C. Council's decision to nix funding that could have reopened the controversial Klingle Road. Instead, the city will fund a hiker/biker...

By Marcia Davis | May 21, 2008; 12:50 PM ET | Comments (2)

Jack Evans Switches to Obama, Opens Own Campaign

Updated: 5:19 p.m. Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) knows how to party every now and then---and to send a message or two. He threw a big cookout today to kickoff his reelection bid and to give a shoutout to Sen. Barack Obama, who's been busy lately trying to lock...

By Marcia Davis | May 17, 2008; 01:51 PM ET | Comments (0)

Breaking News: Council Gets Tickets

Just in. Attorney General Peter Nickles personally delivered baseball tickets for the rest of the season to Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray. More to come. UPDATED: The council received tickets to Suite 61 at the new Nationals Park, ending the standoff with Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D). The suite has...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 16, 2008; 02:08 PM ET | Comments (0)

Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number: A Wii for You, Me

D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) is donating today a Wii video game system to IONA Senior Services in her ward. Citing a Mayo Clinic report that shows that the game can help the elderly both physically and mentally, Cheh said in a media release that she wanted...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 9, 2008; 10:36 AM ET | Comments (1)

Klingle Road Warriors

It's been nearly two decades, but did anyone really think the fight over Klingle Road was over? Okay, maybe some really did believe the question had been settled when the District Council voted in 2003 to spend millions to reopen the road. But that's beside the point. The DC Wire...

By Marcia Davis | May 9, 2008; 08:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Council Sends Mixed Signal in Noise Vote

After intense and loud debate, the D.C. Council gave initial approval yesterday to noise legislation that would quiet demonstrators in residential neighborhoods but allow them to pump up the volume downtown and in front of hotels. The controversial Noise Control Protection Amendment Act of 2008 had been tabled by a...

By Marcia Davis | May 7, 2008; 05:59 AM ET | Comments (0)

A Bottle of Red, A Bottle of White To Go

The D.C. Council just voted 12 to 1 to permit patrons of restaurants to take unfinished bottles of wine with them after several minutes of debate full of puns. Currently, diners must leave the bottles behind or down the last drops. Council member Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large) sponsored the...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 6, 2008; 01:14 PM ET | Comments (0)

Go, Caps!

The D.C. Council legislative meeting today kicked off with a ceremonial resolution for the Washington Capitals for a season that saw them win the Southeast Division title. Owner Ted Leonsis and player Shaone Morrisonn were on hand to accept the resolution from Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2), who represents...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 6, 2008; 10:51 AM ET | Comments (0)

Shhhh! Everybody Calm Down

The D.C. Council is set to vote today on a noise bill that has been tabled, tweaked and revived. But the council appears to still be divided despite amendments offered by Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6). There was pouting and at least one audible...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 6, 2008; 10:03 AM ET | Comments (2)

Update: Sports Commission is "alive and well"

The D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission might survive after all. During a D.C. Council committee markup, today, Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large) accepted a friendly amendment to nix his plans to move the maintenance of RFK stadium out of the hands of the DC Sports & Entertainment Commission and give...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 1, 2008; 03:38 PM ET | Comments (0)

Political Reaction to Ruling in Rawlings Shooting

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty issued the following statement regarding the decision to file no charges in the Deonte Rawlings shooting. "The death of Deonte Rawlings was a tragic loss for his family and the entire community continues to mourn for them. After an exhaustive, independent investigation, the US Attorney and...

By Marcia Davis | May 1, 2008; 02:59 PM ET | Comments (4)

What Comes Around Goes Around

Let's continue down Klingle Road by taking a trip down memory lane. For Wilson Building insiders, yesterday's move by Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) might have looked familiar. Cheh, along with Council members Yvette M. Alexander (D-Ward 7) and Kwame R. Brown (D-At Large), managed to possibly stop...

By Nikita R Stewart | May 1, 2008; 06:47 AM ET | Comments (0)

Breaking News: Klingle Road Likely to Remain Closed

The D.C. Council Committee on Public Works and the Environment just voted 3 to 2 to keep Klingle Road closed. Klingle Road, which has been the subject of debate since it closed 17 years ago, would have been reopened under Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's budget plan after an 8 to...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 30, 2008; 03:20 PM ET | Comments (0)

Breaking News: Thomas Cancels Presser After School Shooting

D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5), who has been tackling a recent spike in homicides in his ward, had to cancel a 3:30 p.m. news conference about his plan to address the issue to go to the scene of yet another shooting. The podium that had been set...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 29, 2008; 03:37 PM ET | Comments (0)

Just Wondering: Are We Numb to the Body Count?

What will it take to put an end to the violence in this city that continues to destroy the lives of so many young African American men? Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5), Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier, and a host of community activists spent...

By Marcia Davis | April 28, 2008; 05:23 PM ET | Comments (2)

Updated: Budget Battles: Brought to Tears

Here is Staff Writer Nikita Stewart's final report from Friday's hearing, which lasted until after 8 p.m. 4:20 p.m. Carolyn Dallas, executive director of Youth Court, left the council chambers in tears after council members appeared as if they will not honor her $450,000 request for the program that keeps...

By Marcia Davis | April 25, 2008; 04:20 PM ET | Comments (5)

Ministers Called to Action

About 30 ministers responded to Council member Harry Thomas Jr.'s call to action this morning, as the body count continues to rise in Ward 5 (six slayings in eight days). The ministers gathered at the John A. Wilson Building to talk about ways to deal with the spike in violence...

By Marcia Davis | April 24, 2008; 01:05 PM ET | Comments (0)

Thomas Explains Switch From Clinton to Obama

Harry Thomas Jr. told the D.C. Wire yesterday that he decided to throw his "superdelegate" support behind Barack Obama last week to honor the "will of his constituents." Thomas, the council member for Ward 5, had gotten the pot boiling in the District when, after winning a superdelegate seat to...

By Marcia Davis | April 21, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (159)

Crossing Boundaries

Ward 1 Council Member Jim Graham called The Post's City Desk yesterday to talk about a story that was stripped across the District's metro section Sunday morning. Posties Allison Klein and Dan Keating reported that burglaries are up 21 percent in the city, and police believe that some of it...

By Marcia Davis | April 21, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

D.C. Council's Retired Lawyer is Busier Than Ever

Charlotte Brookins-Hudson is joined by members of the D.C. Affairs Section of the D.C. Bar who nominated her every year since 2003 for this award. (L-R) Sally Kram, Claudia McKoin, Jim Bubar, Matthew Watson, Brian Flowers and Ester Bushman (Photo by Mazi A. Ndubisi Ucheomumu) Charlotte Brookins-Hudson retired in...

By Yolanda Woodlee | April 21, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Gray to Take Communion

Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) said today will be one of his most memorable. Gray, who is Catholic, will take communion directly from the Pope today at mass at Nationals Park. "It is a momentous occasion, certainly one I will never forget," he told the D.C. Wire....

By Marcia Davis | April 17, 2008; 07:51 AM ET | Comments (1)

Barry Aide Talks About Plans

Keith Andrew Perry couldn't resist the D.C. Wire's quest to learn what he plans to do this time after leaving the John A. Wilson Building. Barry's soon-to-be-former chief of staff, who will depart on Friday, called to say he's launching a consulting business. He's been toying with the idea for...

By Yolanda Woodlee | April 17, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Breaking News: Thomas Backs Obama

You heard it here first. Council member and newly elected superdelegate Harry Thomas Jr., initially a supporter of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, is announcing in minutes that he will cast his vote at the Democratic National Convention in Denver for Sen. Barack Obama....

By Nikita R Stewart | April 16, 2008; 09:47 PM ET | Comments (112)

Oh, the Noise! Noise! Noise! Noise!

The ruckus over the ruckus is back. The D.C. Council voted unanimously yesterday to revive legislation aimed at quieting demonstrators in residential neighborhoods after tabling the measure in a narrow 7 to 5 vote in February. The Noise Control Protection Amendment Act of 2008, which would limit noncommercial public speech...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 16, 2008; 07:20 AM ET | Comments (0)

Barry Top Aide Quits

D.C. Council member Marion Barry's Chief of Staff, Keith Andrew Perry, has resigned. Perry, who came to work for Barry (D-Ward 8) in April 2006, will leave the office Friday. Perry was Barry's third chief of staff since he took office in 2004. Prior to Perry, Linda Greene and E....

By Yolanda Woodlee | April 16, 2008; 06:59 AM ET | Comments (0)

Security Officers Get Some Love

Four security companies and the SEIU Local 32BJ have entered four-year contracts that provide raises, health insurance and other benefits to about 1,500 security officers who work at three-quarters of the District's commercial office buildings, according to the union. Security officers and other members of the union joined council members...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 15, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Nats Ticket Showdown Continues...

At noonish, 19 tickets to tonight's Nationals game were delivered by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's office to the office of Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) to distribute to council members as he saw fit. But the chairman once again sent them back. "We would like to have the entire...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 11, 2008; 04:00 PM ET | Comments (1)

D.C.'s Former First Lady Has Her Own Juice

Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou celebrated her 80th birthday last weekend at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach with a few of her closest celebrity friends, including a hometown one, Cora Masters Barry. Cora Masters Barry with writer Susan Taylor. Last weekend she was with Taylor again, and...

By Yolanda Woodlee | April 11, 2008; 02:35 PM ET | Comments (0)

Countdown to the Showdown

The Washington Nationals play the Atlanta Braves at 7:35 tonight, and council members are bracing for the dance they have been doing with Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) all week. Since Monday, Fenty's office has been doling out tickets to the council hours before a game. For some reason, four...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 11, 2008; 11:05 AM ET | Comments (0)

Questions Linger on Lottery Contract

D.C. Council members Jim Graham and Marion Barry had kind words for the mayor when the city pulled the proposed lottery contract to W2I. "I'm very pleased," said Graham, the contract's harshest critic. "The public's interest is being served." Barry, who also said he had "serious" problems with the contract,...

By Yolanda Woodlee | April 10, 2008; 05:05 PM ET | Comments (0)

Mendelson Considering Hearing on Cameras

Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) is fuming about the city's new plan to centralize the monitoring of its 5,000 security cameras around the District. But he's not sure what exactly to do about it. "It's too soon for me to know what steps should be taken," said the council...

By Marcia Davis | April 10, 2008; 12:11 PM ET | Comments (0)

A Tree Grows in Ward 5

Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. seems to be trying hard to keep the focus on a campaign against violence in his ward. He said there have been at least 10 homicides in the ward this year. Last week Thomas called for a crime emergency, but that idea was turned...

By Marcia Davis | April 9, 2008; 06:59 AM ET | Comments (0)

MPD at Your Door: Gun Searches

By Marcia Davis | April 8, 2008; 03:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

Knock, Knock. Who's There? MPD

District residents, police and District Council members last night debated the merits of MPD's controversial Safe Homes initiative, in which officers will offer to search homes for guns with the permission of the property owners. During a council hearing, several members warned that the initiative could violate residents' rights. The...

By Marcia Davis | April 8, 2008; 03:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

Lottery Bids and Battles

Washington Post reporter Yolanda Woodlee writes about the D.C. Council hearing on the city's lottery contract in today's Post. One thing you quickly see about the two companies at the center of the fight over the lottery contract is that they have similar set ups. Both the current contract holder,...

By Marcia Davis | April 8, 2008; 01:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

Is He or Isn't He?

Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) became the latest Democrat to be elected a "superdelegate" - that all-powerful title that could make it or break it for Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama in their bid for the presidential nomination. During the Potomac Primary in February, Thomas said...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 8, 2008; 08:46 AM ET | Comments (0)

More on School Reform....At the D.C. Council Today

Beth Schmierer and Kristin Ehrgood, District residents who started an online petition that DC Wire told you about yesterday, are slated to testify before the D.C. Council this morning at the budget hearing for the school system....

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | April 8, 2008; 07:28 AM ET | Comments (0)

A Lot of Lawyers at Lottery Hearing

You know there's a hot issue in the Wilson Building when you see these three: Fred Cooke, Scott Bolden, and a familiar face from the D.C. Council, Kevin Chavous. All three lawyers were at today's hearing before Jack Evans' Committee on Finance and Revenue. The issue: the city's lottery contract....

By Yolanda Woodlee | April 7, 2008; 05:06 PM ET | Comments (0)

Lottery Contracts: A Number of Issues

A D.C. Council committee hearing on a proposed $120 million lottery contract this morning promises to be an intense exchange. Read Yolanda Woodlee and Dan Keating's report....

By Marcia Davis | April 7, 2008; 09:16 AM ET | Comments (0)

Pressing for a Crime Emergency in Ward 5

Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. (D-Ward 5) called yesterday for D.C. police to declare a "crime emergency" in his ward, the second council member to raise an alarm about neighborhood violence this week. Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) held an emergency meeting Tuesday night to discuss the two homicides last weekend in...

By Marcia Davis | April 4, 2008; 07:05 AM ET | Comments (3)

Fenty v. Council on Business Tax Relief

Several District Council members, including Chairman Vincent C. Gray, aren't buying Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's tax relief plan for city businesses, a proposal that counter's the council's initiative earlier this year. When the D.C. Council approved a tax relief package for businesses in January, the expectation was that the plan...

By David A Nakamura | April 4, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Nats' New Fan?

Nikita Stewart filed this in today's D.C. Political Notebook in the Extra section... Could the biggest critic of public financing of the Washington Nationals' baseball stadium be having a change of heart? No, we're not talking about Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D), who was probably the second-leading critic when he...

By David A Nakamura | April 3, 2008; 01:13 PM ET | Comments (0)

Schwartz Says She's Looking Out for Taxpayers

Council member Carol Schwartz says she's saved taxpayers money on the leasing agreement for the police department's evidence warehouse in Southeast Washington. Last month, the council approved a $1.1 million, 15-month lease that had previously cost $264,000 annually. Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) and Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) objected to increase,...

By Yolanda Woodlee | April 3, 2008; 06:55 AM ET | Comments (0)

Council Repeals Landlord Exemption

In today's Washington Post, Nikita Stewart writes about the District Council's decision to repeal the landlord exemption that allowed property owners to let their buildings deteriorate as a way of emptying the property of tenants and making way for bigger profit possibilities. You can also read The Post series that...

By Marcia Davis | April 2, 2008; 02:59 PM ET | Comments (1)

Budget Hearings: Talking Dollars and Needs

April is tax season, but it's also the season for budget hearings, where the council combs through the mayor's proposed budget and talks to agency after agency and department after department to figure out who gets what. This morning it was Brenda Rhodes Miller, the executive director of the D.C....

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | April 2, 2008; 12:29 PM ET | Comments (1)

Thomas Wants Civil War Memorial, Library Linked

A group places a wreath at the African American Civil War Memorial. (Frank Johnston) The Civil War Memorial Museum, dedicated to displaying and documenting the contributions of blacks in the Civil War, could get a big boost under a partnership with the D.C. Public Library, and idea proposed today...

By Marcia Davis | April 1, 2008; 01:09 PM ET | Comments (0)

Taking It to the Streets

Street vendors want the right to operate outside of Nationals Park the way they did at RFK. (Nikki Kahn) What's baseball without the hot dog? Like a hot dog with no bun, according to Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3). She said she will introduce legislation today that...

By Nikita R Stewart | April 1, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (0)

Catania Planning Health Care Bill

During a press briefing today, Council member David A. Catania (I-At Large), who said he was ironically a "little congested," announced his intentions to introduce a comprehensive health plan in the Council tomorrow. He said the plan, which The Post's David Nakamura wrote about last week, will capture residents who...

By Marcia Davis | March 31, 2008; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

Barry vs. Fenty in Budget Slugfest?

Today may bring some intense exchanges between Marion Barry and Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. Barry is trying to push the mayor to set aside as much as $200 million in anti-poverty program funds. When Fenty comes before the District Council today, Barry promises it won't be a lovefest. Fenty will...

By Yolanda Woodlee | March 31, 2008; 07:30 AM ET | Comments (8)

Five in Five: Wal-Mart Focuses on Small Businesses

Who says Wal-Mart isn't making inroads into the District? After deciding Brentwood, which just so happens to be in Ward 5, was not the right place to call home a few years ago, the giant discount chain has come bearing gifts. It is giving free advertising to several businesses in...

By Yolanda Woodlee | March 31, 2008; 06:55 AM ET | Comments (0)

The Vacant School Wish List

Recreation center? Art gallery? Charter school? Dozens turned out Monday night at Harriet Tubman Elementary school in Columbia Heights to give their ideas for what should happen with two school buildings in Ward 1 that are slated to close. Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham (D), ever eager to stay on...

By Theola Labbé-DeBose | March 26, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (1)

Happy Birthday! Again and Again and Again...

Marion Barry's cake was kelly-green and white (By Nikita Stewart). Marion Barry turned 72. Again. A who's who of development, lobbying and politics showed up Thursday night for a party at The Park, local club mogul Marc Barnes' latest creation. "I'm kind of confused because I think I've been...

By Marcia Davis | March 25, 2008; 07:00 AM ET | Comments (15)

It's the Council's Own, Uh, Easter Bunny

(Photo courtesy of Vicky Leonard-Chambers) It's Easter Monday, and for one D.C. Council member that means hosting an Easter egg hunt and appearing as the Easter Bunny, complete with bunny ears and gray and yellow Adidas sneakers. Harry Thomas Jr., who represents Ward 5, located predominantly in Northeast Washington,...

By Yolanda Woodlee | March 24, 2008; 12:01 PM ET | Comments (1)