DC WEDNESDAY

Jim Graham, who has never met a legal restriction he didn't like, has renewed his demand for an anti-loitering law that would turn parts of DC into no Constitution zones. Reports Channel 4: "In a move that is sure to cause yet another constitutional battle in the District, D.C. Council member Jim Graham is proposing anti-loitering legislation that would allow police to disperse two or more people gathered in areas known for illegal activity.The police chief would use statistics about arrests for drug, gang, theft and violent crimes to create "hot spot loitering zones." Violators could face a $300 fine. In the past, civil rights activists have questioned whether similar legislation would infringe on residents' right to assemble. The new bill would give the mayor authority to create rules to protect "persons who are engaged in assembly protected by the Constitution."

ABC News - A single father is suing the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority for $200 million, claiming lead-contaminated tap water poisoned his twin sons as infants, causing them ongoing health problems. The water utility between 2001 and 2004 hid elevated levels of lead from customers and federal authorities, plaintiff John Parkhurst of Capitol Hill claims in the lawsuit, which seeks class-action status. WASA failed to take steps to remedy the situation, omitted language from public education campaigns that would have warned people about the problem and continued to encourage residents to drink the water, according to the lawsuit filed in D.C. Superior Court. The complaint comes on the heels of a study that determined hundreds of D.C. children might be at risk of irreversible IQ loss, developmental delays and behavioral problems linked to the lead levels.

USA Service - Heavy use has damaged the Mall's turf, sidewalks, and furnishings, creating chronic maintenance problems for the National Park Service, its official caretaker. A $200 million renovation of the National Mall was removed from President Obama's stimulus package. Interested groups are invited to coordinate efforts for fortifying the open spaces of the mall. Plans include a day or week of service this summer.