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As more than 70 lawyers, paralegals, courtroom personnel and journalists waited to take off from Baltimore-Washington International Airport on a flight here this month, two crucial figures in the Office of Military Commissions crawled through rush-hour traffic looking for a U-Haul rental drop-off. Army Sgt.

The centerpiece for the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial on the National Mall has drawn criticism from a federal arts panel, which says the proposed statue looks "confrontational" and resembles the head of a socialist state more than a civil rights leader. Models of the 28-foot-tall statue depict King emerging from a chunk of granite, his arms folded in front of his chest, his legs firmly rooted, an intense gaze on his face. But the U.S.

If you're coming to Washington for the inauguration, pack some sturdy shoes, a heavy coat, a powerful pair of binoculars, a cartload of patience -- and your platinum credit card. President-elect Barack Obama will not take the oath of office until next month, but already he's boosting the economy in the capital region. With record crowds expected to pack the National Mall on Jan.

The nation's capital bade a stately farewell Tuesday to Gerald R. Ford, the 38th president, at a funeral where he was lauded by the current president as "a good and decent man" whose affability cloaked a firm resolve. President Bush escorted Ford's widow, Betty, down the long center aisle of Washington National Cathedral to the front row, where she sat with her sons and daughter, her face etched in grief.

Jack Valenti is busily scripting the end of his legendary life. But, even after 85 years, it's very much a work in progress. Valenti, who ended his 38-year run as Hollywood's leading man in the nation's capital more than two years ago, continues to work five days a week as something of an icon-on-call.

She grew up in a single-parent home in the working-class suburb of Tuxedo, Md. She got pregnant at age 14, dropped out of high school, and at 15 married the father. By 18 she was divorced and working two jobs -- secretary by day, waitress at night. Now 39, Cathy L. Lanier began her new job last week as acting police chief of Washington, one of a handful of women to head large-city departments in the U.S. and one of only a few white officers to lead forces in largely black cities.

ALL of Washington, D.C., becomes a stage this month as dozens of arts organizations embark on a six-month celebration of William Shakespeare, mounting more than 100 performances, exhibits and other events in the capital. The occasion? There is none, really. The city's Folger Shakespeare Library marks its 75th anniversary this year, but the Shakespeare in Washington festival wasn't prompted by that, said Rae Bazzarre, spokeswoman for Washington's Kennedy Center.

A subway train derailed near downtown Washington, necessitating the rescue of 60 people from a tunnel and sending 20 people to the hospital, officials said. About 150 people were on the train, officials said, and at least one person was seriously injured. The other injuries were mostly "bumps and bruises," officials said, and one of those with reportedly minor injuries was pregnant. The accident happened about 3:45 p.m.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is stepping onto a national political stage this week, talking to new audiences about poverty and crime and in the process positioning himself among the emerging field of Democratic Party up-and-comers.

Emboldened by the Democratic takeover of Congress and shrinking public support for the Iraq war, antiwar groups are planning what they hope will be a massive protest Saturday on the National Mall. Similar events are planned in dozens of cities around the country, with some of the largest expected in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Organizers said they aim to put pressure on both the White House and Congress to end the war. "The message will be 'Mr. President, bring our troops home,' " said Rep.