Breakfast links: Furloughcation over
Shutdown comes to a close
All federal employees are expected to return to work today after Congress passed legislation ending the shutdown. Federal agencies are funded through Jan. 15 and the debt limit is suspended until Feb. 7. (Post)
The post-shutdown commute
The shutdown did not evenly impact commuting in the region. Road congestion waned more in Virginia than Maryland. MTA said the shutdown affected its commuter buses more than MARC trains. (WTOP)
DC gets budget autonomy, sort of
Legislation ending the shutdown allows DC to spend its own money until September 2014, protecting the city from another possible federal shutdown. DC passed its own budget autonomy referendum, but does it suffice? (CityPaper)
A booze-filled shutdown
The federal shutdown has cost DC $6 million per week in tax revenue, but Mayor Gray reports a 3% increase in beverage sales. Foursquare data confirmed check-ins increased at dive bars and during the first week of the shutdown. (City Paper, DCist)
Amtrak stations not fully accessible
Union Station has accessibility barriers for individuals with disabilities wishing to ride Amtrak, according to a new report from the National Disability Rights Network, though it fared better than other stations. (Post)
Coming to a Metro station near you
Bethesda Metro station debuted new lights and stairways as part of WMATA’s proposed design concepts. But are the updates worth $700,000 in construction costs? Similar lights have been installed at Gallery Place and Judiciary Square stations. (City Paper, Patch)
RFK Stadium parking lots going green?
Children in the District may have more green space for organized sports if Tommy Wells’ plan to convert parking lots surrounding RFK Stadium to athletic sports fields comes to pass.
Frederick Avenue corridor can’t sustain itself
Would constructing more single-family homes in Gaitherburg increase spending along the Frederick Avenue retail corridor? (Gazette)
And…
How did DC decide it could stay open during the federal shutdown? (City Paper) … Ray LaHood asked Congress to increase the gas tax to fund next generation transportation systems. (WAMU) … New Yorkers can recharge their electric vehicles using wireless stations disguised as manholes. (Arstechnica, Guus)