Breakfast links: Pressure’s building

Tensions mount over budget

Chairman Brown has accused DC’s CFO Natwar Gandhi of concealing last year’s $42 million budget surplus from the council “in cahoots” with Mayor Gray. Gandhi had shifted the surplus to another account, although insists it was a drafting error. (Post)

The signs of disengagement

Teachers are struggling to keep District kids in school, where only a bit more than half graduate. Identifying the warning signs early and heading off problems can make a big difference later on. (WAMU)

Up in arms over car barn

Activists in Kingman Park are protesting the streetcar car barn, currently slated to be built in the neighborhood. Residents say it will bring noise and disrupt the residential character of the area. (Post)

A walk down K Street

The center of downtown DC has strong ties to the recent past and grand plans for the future, but the oft-maligned K Street, NW, is far more than ugly glass boxes and curb cuts. (Post)

Confusion burns

The DC fire department is abuzz over orders allegedly issued regarding behavior for firefighters attending Mayor Gray’s State of the District address. A DCFEMS spokesman denied the orders had ever been issued. (Washington Times)

First, they came for our land…

Anti-urbanist activists have started to use a conspiracy theory surrounding UN resolution Agenda 21 to oppose smart-growth and sustainability initiatives, calling them plots to take over property rights. (NYT)

Florida HSR would have been profitable

Governor Rick Scott canceled Florida’s high-speed rail a year ago and refused $2 billion in federal funds. But, a new analysis shows, if he had accepted the money the line would have run a surplus. (TBO)

And…

The job of being a trash collector is highly coveted, and for good reason. (Post) … A bill to make texting a primary offense has advanced out of committee in Virginia. (WAMU) … The clarion rings to fight the House transportation proposal. (TTP)