Breakfast links: Governor Hogan’s highway widening plan moves forward. But questions still linger.
Gov. Hogan’s highway plan gets BPW approval
The Maryland Board of Public Works voted 2-1 to approve the advancement of Gov Hogan’s plan to add toll lanes to the Beltway and I-270. With the BPW approval, the state can begin soliciting for proposals. State Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp opposed the move, questioning whether it made financial sense and the environmental impacts of the project. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
Where do Governor Larry Hogan’s allegiances lie?
It’s well known that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan wants more roads and less transit, but is he also steering those road projects toward properties his development company owns, to his financial benefit? (Eric Cortellessa / Washington Monthly)
A study shows Airbnb’s impact on housing prices
A recent study found that Airbnb has contributed to an increase in single-family home prices in DC. The research also shows a connection between the number of Airbnb listings in a zip code and the impact it has on single-family home prices within 1,000 ft. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
Amazon plans to expand its security reach beyond H2Q
Amazon wants to expand its security presence outside of its H2Q and intends to create an intelligence-sharing alliance with law enforcement and emergency management agencies. This means that Arlington police could gain access to Amazon’s resources. (Jonathan Capriel / Washington Business Journal)
MCPS superintendent refutes a report’s claims
The superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools disagreed with a report that claimed the school district’s efforts to close the achievement gap has been ineffective and that its misusing funds designated for programs that target low-income students or high poverty schools. (Caitlynn Peetz / Bethesda Beat)
The official sound of DC may soon be go-go
The DC Council approved a bill that would make go-go the official music of DC and require the District to enact programs that will help preserve and support it. Go-go music gained attention last year after the Shaw Metro PCS store was forced to cut off its music. (Elliot C. Williams / DCist)
You could be fined for releasing balloons in Maryland
A bill introduced in the General Assembly would ban the intentional releasing of balloons in Maryland, with a $250 fine. Though balloons can cause a threat to wildlife, The Balloon Council, a national balloon trade group, says it’s people’s behavior that needs to change. (Jacob Fenston / WAMU)
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