D.C. Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown probably has asked Santa for a new year better than the last. He can forget about that.

There are indications 2012 may be more of a nightmare: The ethical cloud could become darker; U.S. Attorney Ronald Machen Jr. likely will announce results of those criminal investigations of Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. and Brown. More than a few residents will try to recall the chairman and his misbehaving friends.