Breakfast links: Do you have what it takes to be Metro’s next General Manager?
The challenges ahead for Metro’s next General Manager
Metro is beginning its search for a new General Manager after Paul Wiedefeld announced he will retire in six months. DCist writes that WMATA’s next leader will face challenges including safety and pandemic-related service changes. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
Some question Montgomery’s progress on Vision Zero
Several pedestrians and cyclists have already died so far this year in Montgomery County, leading some to the say that the county isn’t doing enough to meet its Vision Zero goals for 2030. A number of traffic safety projects are currently in the works, including the installation of new traffic signals and pedestrian beacons. (Dan Schere / Bethesda Beat. Tip: Chester B.)
Northern Virginia residents divided over school mask mandates
No one in Northern Virginia thinks kids should be required to wear masks in schools forever, but that’s about where the agreement ends. Since Gov. Youngkin’s move to rescind the school mask mandate, parents, students, and teachers are disagreeing over whether or not local schools should continue with mask requirements. (Margaret Barthel / DCist)
Teleworking feds leave Metro with an uncertain future
Nearly half of federal employees are teleworking full-time, and no one knows if or when they’ll come back to the office. Federal employees make up a significant portion of Metro’s customer base, and if current teleworking trends persist, the transit agency could face a “financial cliff” soon. (Justin George / Post)
MoCo to weigh extension of indoor mask mandate
Montgomery County’s mask mandate is currently set to expire on January 31, and county councilmembers are meeting this week to decide whether to extend the mandate to the end of February. The council will also examine a vaccine passport proposal. (Jack Moore / WTOP)
State lawmakers push for Washington Football Team to come to Virginia
Top Virginia General Assembly lawmakers introduced legislation to create a football stadium authority tasked with bringing the Washington Football Team to Virginia once its contract at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., expires. (Laura Vozzella / Post. Tip: Chester B.)
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