Fashions Night Out at Redeem, 1734 14th Street NW. Most of Thursday night’s events were at Georgetown stores, but several 14th Street shops participated as well. (Luis Gomez Photos)

From Michelle Lancaster. You can follow her and tell her your news on Twitter @MichLancaster. Email her at [email protected].

Rain, Rain, Go Away

As if the earthquake and hurricane were not enough, DC’s first responders are now conducting water rescues around DC due to flooding. WJLA has a list of them and the astounding report that we have had more than SEVEN inches of rain this week. It’s enough rain to cancel the swim portion of The Nation’s triathlon in DC, scheduled for Sunday. Stay dry and don’t bother straightening your hair!

Recap of Fashion’s Night Out

While the rain kept some people away, Fashion’s Night Out soldiered through with some unfashionable ponchos or stylish wellies. Patch has a good recap of the event, which brought people down from Baltimore and beyond. I’ll admit I may be partial to the article, since it features the DC Roller Girls, skates and all. If you have yet to attend FNO or see the roller derby, make a plan to do both soon!

Are Objections to Development Hurting DC’s Economy?

You probably already read the guest post from Stephen Rutgers on the 17th Street and O Street NW development. If he didn’t convince you that Dupont needs more mixed-use developments, consider this piece from Washington City Paper. Lydia DePillis features the argument made by an Arlington-based economist and his recently published piece in the New York Times. Failing to build more developments in opportunity-rich areas, he argues, is chocking economic growth. Good stuff to consider as you review the finer points of the President’s jobs speech from last night.

Connecticut Avenue Median Dedication

Speaking of development projects, the one that created the Connecticut Avenue is celebrating its first major milestone. The stretch between K Street and L Street has been completed, according to the Golden Triangle website. While work will continue up to Dupont Circle, the dedication ceremony is planned for September 15 at 10:30 am Officials attending the ribbon cutting ceremony include Mayor Vincent Gray, Council Chairman Kwame Brown and Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans.

DC Shorts Film Festival Underway

So you missed the first film since the festival officially opened on Thursday. However, you still have a lot of great stuff to see and attend! Consider tonight’s Celebrity Party (not sure who the celebrities will be, but they are going to have food from Matchbox and Cowgirl Creamery, which is reason enough to go even if you hate movies) at Madame Tussaud’s or tomorrow’s Brazilian Carnival. More info about the parties is here. The full list of films can be found here.

Dupont Escalators Out of Service for Up to a Year

I wish that we had all missed this news and it wasn’t happening, but it’s true. The 19th Street entrance (on the south side of Dupont Circle) will be closed for up to a year as Metro works on the escalators servicing that particular access point. As the Washington Examiner points out, the Empire State Building was constructed in less time than this particular repair. Hopefully, this repair will ensure smooth escalator trips with no additional service. A girl can dream!

Arts District Blossoms

The Washington Blade has an interesting piece on the evolution of Logan Circle in contrast to Dupont Circle. Unsurprisingly, they credit Logan’s blossoming with the more ‘friendly’ ANC, which listened to residents who desired more restaurants and retail. Whether you care for the changes or not, it is certainly true that the 14th Street Corridor is remarkably changed from a decade (or even five years) ago. What say you, Borderstan, about the changes?