Breakfast links: Local workers and businesses feel the sting from the government shutdown
The federal government shutdown hurts the region’s economy
The federal government is shut down after a weekend of failed negotiations, meaning many federal employees will not be paid until it reopens. It's also bad news for federal contractors as well as local restaurants, shops, and other businesses. (Post)
The shutdown is leaving parents scrambling for childcare
There are dozens of childcare centers in federal buildings around Washington, many of which are closed because of the government shutdown. That’s leaving the parents who rely on them scrambling to find childcare elsewhere. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
Lack of cooperation hurts the region’s chances of landing Amazon’s HQ2
The region has a good shot at landing Amazon's HQ2 now that three of its jurisdictions are in the list of 20 potential choices. However, a lack of cooperation could be the region's biggest hurdle in securing the new headquarters. (Robert McCartney / Post)
Rahn says road and transit upgrades are needed to snag Amazon’s HQ2
Maryland State Secretary Pete Rahn said that if the state wants to secure Amazon's HQ2, then it needs to upgrade transit and road projects, including both the Purple Line and proposals to widen and add toll lanes to I-270 and I-495. (Andrew Metcalf / Bethesda Beat)
Some question the timing of new signs in Prince George’s
Prince George's County officials say the 50 new signs welcoming visitors to the county as part of a rebranding campaign are not intended to bolster County Executive Rushern Baker's gubernatorial aspirations, and the timing is purely coincidental. (Arelis R. Hernández / Post)
The future of the historic Lyttonsville bridge is uncertain
A 100-year-old bridge in Lyttonsville is in the path of Purple Line construction and will soon be demolished. Area residents want the bridge to be preserved due to its significance to the community's African-American roots. State officials haven't decided on what to do. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
The Purple Line’s completion was delayed several months due to lawsuits
The Purple Line's construction was initially slated to wrap up in spring 2022, but thanks to a six month delay brought on by an environmental lawsuit, construction is now expected to end in late 2022. (Andrew Metcalf / Bethesda Beat)
Growth of property values in Arlington slows
The value of commercial and residential properties in Arlington grew 1.9 percent last year, compared to 3 percent the year before. That means the county won't be able to generate as much revenue from property taxes to handle growing school enrollment. (Chris Teale / ARLnow)
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