Breakfast links: Scandalous

Old money, new tricks

Campaign contributions from a large number of companies and people affiliated with Jeffrey Thompson have long been a staple of political life in DC, but only recently have money orders become a problem. (Post)

Thompson scandal goes to Annapolis

The Thompson scandal has expanded to Maryland: Governor O’Malley received illegal funds from a firm Thompson ran, as and apparently legal funds from another Thompson company. (HuffPo)

Slow walk the red top

The DC Council isn’t so keen on the quick rollout of red-top parking meters and may hold the project for evaluation. DDOT insists the old disabled parking practices aren’t legal and is simply codifying existing law. (Post)

A concert hall to challenge the Wolf

Southwest redevelopment may include a 5,000-seat rock music hall, which would be DC’s largest, not including the Verizon Center. The venue would still need District approval. (Examiner)

Huge income gap brings new problems

DC’s massive income gap, the third highest in the country, poses practical problems for health care, education, societal cohesion, and the proper distribution of political power. (Poverty & Policy)

School comes to you

DCPS officials are trying to get further into students’ lives by knocking on doors, talking to parents, and being where they are to cut down truancy and increase graduation rates, but sometimes it takes more than a school. (WAMU)

Bad planning knows no bounds

Far beyond urban areas, Tea Partiers are fighting Agenda 21’s long arm, pushing against agricultural and green reserves, focused development, and ensuring the march of sprawl will continue. (Bacon’s Rebellion)

Building affordably is difficult

Although zoning and land-use regulations do hinder new developments and drive up housing costs as a result, doing away with such restrictions may not produce the affordable housing we seek. (Old Urbanist)

And…

One of 3 lawsuits against Alexandria’s waterfront plan has been struck down. (Examiner) … Don’t forget the biking rules of the road as the weather warms. (Patch) … More apartments could come to U Street, as JBG is exploring converting its hotel development into residences. (City Paper)