Breakfast links: A former Metro inspector general speaks out about the OIG’s lack of independence
A former inspector general at Metro says the agency controlled access to information
A former inspector general says Metro's Office of the Inspector General doesn't have enough autonomy, which has held the office back on reporting violations. A solution could be more funding for the office or transferring its functions to US DOT. (Faiz Siddiqui / Post)
Some Prince George’s County residents don’t want maglev in their backyard
Not everyone is on board with plans for a maglev line that would run between DC and Baltimore. A number of residents in Bowie and Greenbelt are worried about a line's impact on a forest preserve, wildlife, noise, and property values. (Evan Silvera / Diamondback)
DC childcare workers now have until 2023 to get degrees
DC extended the deadline for childcare workers to get degrees from 2020 to 2023, in response to concerns that DC's already-burdened childcare workers wouldn't have enough time to get associate degrees, per new requirements rolled out last year. (Martin Astermuhle / WAMU)
Arlington’s Complete Streets program makes traffic worse for one neighborhood
Arlington's Complete Streets program is intended to make non-commercial streets accessible for everyone. But in Aurora Hills, one resident writes that congestion has actually worsened, leading to crashes and threatening the safety of children at play. (Ashli Douglas / ARLnow)
Budget sequestation is holding back Virginia’s economy
Virginia's economy is more tied to the federal government than any other state, and thanks to budget sequestration, the state's economy hasn't grown much. The quickest way to jumpstart growth would be to end sequestration. (Gregory S. Schneider / Post)
Big plans are in store for downtown Bethesda
Plans for a 200-foot high mixed-use high-rise on Wisconsin Avenue that will include about 460 apartments, underground parking and street-level retail are emblematic of downtown Bethesda's trend towards a more urban future. (Bethany Rodgers / Bethesda Beat)
Fare evasion crackdown results in the arrest of a convict with gun
Metro transit police arrested a man on parole after he jumped the faregates, and officers found an illegal handgun. Metro says that fare evasion isn't all about money - it's about keeping passengers safe. (Fredrick Kunkle / Post. Tip: Falls Church)
Montgomery County floats measures to increase affordable housing
Two new bills in Montgomery County Council could increase the minimum requirement of affordable units that new developments must include from 12.5% to 15%, opening the door for more affordable housing construction. (Mike Diegel / Source of the Spring)
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