Breakfast links: What feds are up to
Amtrak privatization plan stirs debate
House Republicans unveiled their plan to privatize Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Either the rails would stay publicly owned but an independent operator would run trains, or a private operator would build and maintain a higher-speed system. Advocates and Ray LaHood have “serious concerns.” (Streetsblog)
House keeps riders, doesn’t add more
The House’s spending bill keeps the riders prohibiting funding for abortion, needle exchange and medical marijuana, but doesn’t (yet) add any more about same-sex marriage or gun control. (Post)
Park Police make things up
Park Police are giving inconsistent instructions to pedicab drivers about where to be on the Mall. ABC7 records on officer on camera fabricating a non-existent rule that journalists need permits to shoot video. (TheWashCycle)
FBI tried hard to bribe Graham
The money Ted Loza tried to give Jim Graham was from the FBI, one of several attempts by them to bribe the councilmember. Why did they try so hard? And why didn’t Graham ever report it to authorities? (Loose Lips)
Metro getting safer
Metro officials said they’ve been making a lot of progress to improve safety, but that could backslide if Congress cuts their capital funding. (Post) … Barbara Mikulski is encouraged by their progress. (Examiner)
Henderson: Still effective, more friendly
Kaya Henderson has kept Michelle Rhee’s evaluation systems to remove bad teachers and has continued pushing to improve schools, but also gets along better with everyone. (Post)
On the sidewalk
Construction has closed both sidewalks on one block of New York Avenue, leaving pedestrians no safe option. (Life in MVS) … Please let women in heels walk between grates. (Penn Quarter Living)
Bus lanes go far, almost
Los Angeles will create a 7.7-mile dedicated bus lane on Wilshire Blvd, saving 11 minutes in travel time, but removed one final mile because of neighborhood opposition. (LA Times, Streetsblog, David B.) … New York will create a rush hour bus lane on 181st Street in the Bronx, but held back from more ambitious changes because of opposition from the local state assemblyman. (Streetsblog) (Tip: David B.)