Breakfast links: Thomas gone

Thomas to resign

Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. will resign as part of a plea with federal prosecutors, WUSA9 reports. Thomas allegedly misappropriated $300,000 in city funds designated for youth sports.

Union contract up

The contract between WMATA and ATU Local 689 ends in June. Metro officials hope to curb pensions and cap overtime hours. (Examiner)

Ride sharing drafted

BRAC has led government officials to come up with an innovative smart phone based ride sharing system similar to slugging for military and contractors. (Examiner)

Commission vs. Authority

The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission is trying to avoid being merged with the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. The NVTC claims that the two groups serve different regions and have different focuses. (Post)

Go to college

Chairman Kwame Brown wants to make applying for college mandatory for DCPS students.  He hopes to get students who previously would not have thought about college to go. (WAMU)

Blame the government

Foreign real estate investors are less enthusiastic about investing in DC-area property while a local report predicts commercial leasing will remain sluggish. Both blame uncertainty about government spending. (GlobeSt, CityBizList)

And…

DC apartment rents may rise less quickly thanks to new supply. (UrbanTurf) … Republican candidates have said little about urban and transportation issues thus far. (Streetsblog) … New York City enjoys the highest life expectancy in the nation, mainly thanks to its urban environment. (GOOD)