Breakfast links: Despite fewer crashes in the Washington region, more people are being killed by impaired drivers
Drugs or alcohol are the leading cause in one-third of traffic deaths in the region
Fatalities caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol have increased, a study by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program found, and the region averages one DUI arrest every 38 minutes. (Luz Lazo / Post)
Virginia is expected to offer Amazon $750 million in subsidies
Following a nine-minute debate, the Virginia House of Delegates approved up to $750 million in subsidies to Amazon over the next 15 years. The bill, which was passed by the Virginia Senate last week, is expected to be signed by the governor. (Robert McCartney / Post)
A Metro Silver Line contractor was fined $1 million for faulty concrete panels
Metro contractor Universal Concrete Products agreed to pay $1 million to settle a civil case that it falsified test results for concrete panels it built for Phase 2 of the Silver Line Metro extension. The company and its president/co-owner, Donald Faust Jr., admitted no wrongdoing as part of the settlement. (Lori Aratani and Rachel Weiner / Post)
Local congressional members ask for study on helicopter noise
In a letter to the Government Accountability Office, five members of Congress representing the Washington region requested a formal study of helicopter noise, citing residents who “have noted recent increases in the frequency and severity.” (Andrew Giambrone / Curbed)
Montgomery County could allow taller buidlings at mall developments
A Montgomery County Council committee approved zoning rules allowing taller buildings at Westfield Montgomery and Westfield Wheaton malls. The current rule requires free-standing buildings for retail, parking, and health facilities not to exceed 45 feet tall near the malls. It would be modified to allow 90-foot-tall buildings. (Caitlynn Peetz / Bethesda Beat)
A former candidate for DC mayor is backing a proposal for term limits
James Butler, who ran unsuccessfully for DC mayor against incumbent Muriel Bowser in 2018, filed paperwork for a ballot initiative that would set two-term limits for the mayor, members of the DC Council, the attorney general, and representatives on the State Board of Education. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
The grace period for DC’s new plastic straw ban ends in July
The DC Department of Energy and Environment, which is charged with enforcing DC's plastic straw ban, is educating business owners and issuing warnings to food establishments that offer plastic straws. In July, an $800 penalty for offering plastic straws will go into effect. (Fenit Nirappil / Post)
Baltimore proposes, then rescinds 30-day jail terms for speeding on e-scooters
Stating that the penalty was intended for electronic scooter rental companies, the Baltimore Transportation Department will amend legislation that could have exposed speeding scooter riders to a 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. (Ian Duncan / Baltimore Sun)
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