The D.C. Council officially returns this week from summer recess. Unfortunately, while members were away, there wasn’t any resolution of investigations begun earlier this year. U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. continues his probe into possible campaign finance violations by Chairman Kwame Brown and allegations that Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. misappropriated $300,000 of government funds meant for disadvantaged youth. Mayor Vincent Gray also is being investigated.

The Office of Campaign Finance announced it plans to audit the constituent services funds of all 13 legislators. That decision follows a complaint from the D.C. Republican Committee, which claimed some members, in violation of the law, have been using the money to support political organizations — not vulnerable citizens.