District of DeBonis - More than a city. Not quite a state. Enough for a blog.

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 06/29/2011

D.C. agrees to $10.2M settlement with Medicaid contractor

By Mike DeBonis

The District has agreed to pay the city’s largest Medicaid contractor $10.2 million to settle a long-running contract dispute.

By Mike DeBonis | 02:10 PM ET, 06/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:27 AM ET, 06/29/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 29, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: ‘iGaming’ hearing underway: Poker in libraries? Will anyone actually play these games? Who is getting rich off this stuff? — Ted Loza gets eight months in jail — Dealing with the Taxicab Commission — Free cops for big events — Officers accused in nightclub beating

By Mike DeBonis | 11:27 AM ET, 06/29/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:31 PM ET, 06/28/2011

AG Nathan: Taping rules ‘not consistent with the philosophy of the administration’

By Mike DeBonis

Attorney General Irvin B. Nathan on Tuesday criticized the D.C. Taxicab Commission’s policy banning recordings of its public meetings, which led to the arrests of two reporters at a commission hearing last week.

By Mike DeBonis | 07:31 PM ET, 06/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:51 PM ET, 06/28/2011

In Mass., familiar and fishy donations to Dominican Republic

By Mike DeBonis

Sunday’s Boston Globe featured a story that will ring familiar to District ears: It involves a mayor, some surplus vehicles and a poor town in the Dominican Republic.

By Mike DeBonis | 12:51 PM ET, 06/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:17 AM ET, 06/28/2011

Ahead of sentencing, Loza apologizes for ‘error in judgment’

By Mike DeBonis

Later today, Ted G. Loza is expected to be sentenced for his role in a taxicab industry influence-buying scheme that reached into city hall.

By Mike DeBonis | 10:17 AM ET, 06/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 06/28/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 28, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: Vincent Gray’s exhaustive economic development plan — welcome MVM Technologies — parade shooting killed innocent bystander — summer jobs program adds new participants, is off to relatively clean start — get ready for some Internet poker

By Mike DeBonis | 08:00 AM ET, 06/28/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:22 PM ET, 06/27/2011

Jack Evans also has poker-related law firm conflict

By Mike DeBonis

D.C. Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) will gavel to order a long-overdue hearing on online poker. His law firm,

By Mike DeBonis | 07:22 PM ET, 06/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 06/27/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 27, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions.

By Mike DeBonis | 11:47 AM ET, 06/27/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:40 PM ET, 06/24/2011

Lawyer Danzansky is GOP’s top pick for elections board

By Mike DeBonis

Respected attorney Stephen Danzansky is the local GOP’s preferred pick for a long-vacant mayor-appointed seat on the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics.

By Mike DeBonis | 12:40 PM ET, 06/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:34 AM ET, 06/24/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 24, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: MPD commander publicly takes on Lanier over celebrity escorts — Taxi outrage continues with release of video — D.C. budget leaves House approps relatively rider-free — Caribbean Parade, voting rights rally tomorrow

By Mike DeBonis | 09:34 AM ET, 06/24/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:07 PM ET, 06/23/2011

D.C. Taxicab Commission says it banned ‘disruptive’ videotaping

By Mike DeBonis

A day after two reporters were arrested at a public hearing, the D.C. Taxicab Commission said that it doesn’t allow videotaping.

By Mike DeBonis | 02:07 PM ET, 06/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:13 PM ET, 06/23/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 23, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: Taxicab Commission outrage — Magic money not going very far — About that $32 million for Medicaid contractors — Gandhi says he didn’t mess up deed tax collections — Why OIG doesn’t matter — Gray commits to Metro memorial park — Can the government lower city gas prices?

By Mike DeBonis | 12:13 PM ET, 06/23/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:59 AM ET, 06/22/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 22, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions.

By Mike DeBonis | 11:59 AM ET, 06/22/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:02 PM ET, 06/21/2011

Meet the first-grader who has Kwame Brown asking about chocolate milk

By Mike DeBonis

At a confirmation hearing for Schools Chancellor Kaya K. Henderson last week, D.C. Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown (D) closed his questioning with a rather curious line of inquiry: chocolate milk. He did so because of seven-year-old Aidan Kohn Murphy.

By Mike DeBonis | 06:02 PM ET, 06/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:59 PM ET, 06/21/2011

D.C. Council passes redistricting plan, uniting Woodley Park

By Mike DeBonis

Final changes unite Woodley Park in Ward 3, but leave that ward with many more residents than Ward 7.

By Mike DeBonis | 01:59 PM ET, 06/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:14 PM ET, 06/21/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 21, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: Rumblings of discontent in Ward 7 — Grand jury hears Sulaimon Brown evidence — FEMS policy cheats pregnant firefighters — D.C. residents worry deeply about AIDS — Wells stakes claim as Mr. Reform — Kwame Brown defends chocolate milk — Plotkin takes on Obama

By Mike DeBonis | 12:14 PM ET, 06/21/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:34 PM ET, 06/20/2011

Peaceoholics’ Ron Moten moves closer to Ward 7 run

By Mike DeBonis

Ronald Moten, the charismatic go-go promoter, high-profile Fenty supporter and outspoken co-founder of Peaceoholics, said this evening he’s looking to make his D.C. Council candidacy official next week.

By Mike DeBonis | 07:34 PM ET, 06/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:25 PM ET, 06/20/2011

Pregnant D.C. firefighters face tough decisions thanks to new policy

By Mike DeBonis

The D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department in recent years has developed a bit of an overtime problem. And part of the solution has created an entirely different problem: angry, pregnant firefighters.

By Mike DeBonis | 06:25 PM ET, 06/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:26 PM ET, 06/20/2011

D.C. Council’s Michael Brown was tardy on 2009 income taxes

By Mike DeBonis

Earlier this year, the IRS filed a lien against the Michael A. Brown’s home for $13,773.62 in unpaid income taxes dating to 2009. The debt was paid by May.

By Mike DeBonis | 03:26 PM ET, 06/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:52 AM ET, 06/20/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 20, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions.

By Mike DeBonis | 09:52 AM ET, 06/20/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:28 PM ET, 06/17/2011

U.S. attorney Machen addresses D.C. probes in radio interview

By Mike DeBonis

U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr.

By Mike DeBonis | 06:28 PM ET, 06/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:00 PM ET, 06/17/2011

Smokefree advocates strike out at D.C. Council over budget vote

By Mike DeBonis

A little-noticed provision in the District budget passed Tuesday by the D.C. Council has anti-smoking advocates up in arms, claiming it could allow dozens of previously forbidden indoor cigar-smoking events.

By Mike DeBonis | 05:00 PM ET, 06/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:04 AM ET, 06/17/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 17, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: Kaya Henderson coasts to confirmation — Is recent corruption tied to cash influx? — Lanier says “no magic number” for cops — Neil Stanley’s confirmation on ice

By Mike DeBonis | 11:04 AM ET, 06/17/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:27 PM ET, 06/16/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 16, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions.

By Mike DeBonis | 12:27 PM ET, 06/16/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:20 AM ET, 06/15/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 15, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions.

By Mike DeBonis | 10:20 AM ET, 06/15/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:57 PM ET, 06/14/2011

Kwame Brown addresses campaign finance allegations

By Mike DeBonis

The D.C. Council chairman addressed accusations

By Mike DeBonis | 05:57 PM ET, 06/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Categories: Mike Debonis, Kwame Brown, The District

Posted at 05:27 PM ET, 06/14/2011

District budget passes final vote; bond tax remains

By Mike DeBonis

The District’s $10.8 billion budget is set, after the D.C. Council voted for a second and final time Tuesday afternoon to approve its fiscal 2012 spending plan.

By Mike DeBonis | 05:27 PM ET, 06/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:48 PM ET, 06/14/2011

Protesters cut short D.C. Council planning session

By Mike DeBonis

The D.C. Council cut short an administrative meeting this morning after a group of residents, including members of “Green Teams,” protested outside, demanding to sit in.

By Mike DeBonis | 12:48 PM ET, 06/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:55 AM ET, 06/14/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 14, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: Final budget vote could include income tax hike — ethics bill slammed in hearing — Kwame Brown’s brother had control of campaign ‘side account’ — Team Thomas and its donors: What did they get in return? — Mayoral hiring hearings over; Sulaimania now on hiatus

By Mike DeBonis | 10:55 AM ET, 06/14/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:49 PM ET, 06/13/2011

Income tax hike still possible as D.C. budget vote looms

By Mike DeBonis

Two amendments likely to be offered tomorrow aim to roll back the D.C. Council’s decision last month to tax non-District municipal bonds for the first time. One of them includes an income tax increase, previously thought to be off the table.

By Mike DeBonis | 07:49 PM ET, 06/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:30 PM ET, 06/13/2011

D.C. attorney general critiques new ethics bill

By Mike DeBonis

D.C. Attorney General Irvin B. Nathan criticized “major flaws” in a draft ethics bill under consideration by the D.C. Council Monday

By Mike DeBonis | 03:30 PM ET, 06/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 06/13/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 13, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions.

By Mike DeBonis | 11:00 AM ET, 06/13/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:41 PM ET, 06/10/2011

Kwame Brown to face campaign finance charges

By Mike DeBonis

District campaign finance authorities announced Friday that they are proceeding with a complaint against D.C. Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown (D).

By Mike DeBonis | 06:41 PM ET, 06/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:18 AM ET, 06/10/2011

Jesse Jackson weighs in on D.C. Council gasoline bill

By Mike DeBonis

A relatively obscure bill in the D.C. Council has drawn the attention of a national heavy hitter.

By Mike DeBonis | 11:18 AM ET, 06/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:26 AM ET, 06/10/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 10, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: More on Team Thomas — Will new ethics bill clean up city government? — Petula wants Gray to “man up.”

By Mike DeBonis | 10:26 AM ET, 06/10/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 06/09/2011

DeAfternoon DeBonis: June 9, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: More on Jim Graham and the bribe he rejected — Harry Thomas steps down from Economic Development post; feebly defends self on Fox 5 — Thomas allegations raise questions about CYITC — Gray still facing scandal questions — all about Sulaimon — Yvette Alexander foils thief — Michael Brown quits WMATA board

By Mike DeBonis | 12:22 PM ET, 06/09/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:38 PM ET, 06/08/2011

Thomas steps down from powerful committee post

By Mike DeBonis

D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) is relinquishing control of the powerful Economic Development Committee while authorities investigate allegations he used more than $300,000 in taxpayer funds for his personal use.

By Mike DeBonis | 06:38 PM ET, 06/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:56 PM ET, 06/08/2011

Thomas allegations ring familiar in annals of political corruption

By Mike DeBonis

As D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. (D-Ward 5) vows to fight charges that he used hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer and charity funds for his personal purposes, he joins a legion of politicians accused of enriching themselves in similar ways.

By Mike DeBonis | 04:56 PM ET, 06/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:05 PM ET, 06/08/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 8, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions.

By Mike DeBonis | 12:05 PM ET, 06/08/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 06/07/2011

D.C. Council meets privately to discuss allegations against Thomas

By Mike DeBonis

Members of the D.C. Council gathered inside a John A. Wilson Building conference room shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the allegations leveled against member Harry Thomas Jr.

By Mike DeBonis | 04:39 PM ET, 06/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:32 PM ET, 06/07/2011

Thomas could face loss of D.C. Council committee post

By Mike DeBonis

D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. remained defiant Tuesday, one day after the city’s attorney general accused him of directing more than $300,000 in taxpayer funds for his personal use.

By Mike DeBonis | 02:32 PM ET, 06/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 06/07/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 7, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions

By Mike DeBonis | 10:00 AM ET, 06/07/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:43 AM ET, 06/06/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 6, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions.

By Mike DeBonis | 09:43 AM ET, 06/06/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:48 PM ET, 06/03/2011

DeAfternoon DeBonis: June 3, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions. Today: Kwamemobile saga is back — No charges in DC9 death; Graham criticizes Lanier — House moves to ax St. E’s project — A closer look at tax allegations — Gandhi nixes UMC contract — Cop under questioning for Prince George’s slaying

By Mike DeBonis | 01:48 PM ET, 06/03/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:17 PM ET, 06/02/2011

Anonymous online comments match subsequent Gray administration statement

By Mike DeBonis

Initial press reports on Mayor Vincent C. Gray’s proposed pay raises didn’t include much defense of the move, but someone took to the reader comments to offer some context.

By Mike DeBonis | 08:17 PM ET, 06/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:10 PM ET, 06/02/2011

Kwame Brown wanted mayoral-type SUV, e-mails show

By Mike DeBonis

Just when D.C. Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown thought he was finished answering questions about the city-paid luxury SUVs he once drove, he’s got some more explaining to do.

By Mike DeBonis | 08:10 PM ET, 06/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:52 AM ET, 06/02/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 2, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

Marion Barry, city redistricting, power outages, breathalyzers.

By Mike DeBonis | 09:52 AM ET, 06/02/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:08 PM ET, 06/01/2011

Is Marion Barry’s redistricting plan all about the money?

By Mike DeBonis

In a memo to his colleagues, Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) says his redistricting proposal could mean a major cash injection to neighborhood groups he supports.

By Mike DeBonis | 05:08 PM ET, 06/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:01 AM ET, 06/01/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: June 1, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions

By Mike DeBonis | 11:01 AM ET, 06/01/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:22 PM ET, 05/31/2011

District to tax-wary investors: We have plenty of bonds!

By Mike DeBonis

Since the D.C. Council voted on the fiscal 2012 budget last week, I’ve heard from several readers upset about the proposed tax on non-District municipal bond proceeds. The Office of the Chief Financial Officer responds to some of the objections.

By Mike DeBonis | 07:22 PM ET, 05/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:04 PM ET, 05/31/2011

DeMorning DeBonis: May 31, 2011

By Mike DeBonis

A comprehensive roundup of D.C. politics news and opinions

By Mike DeBonis | 12:04 PM ET, 05/31/2011 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

District of DeBonis: June, 2011