Breakfast links: On the horizon

Silver delayed to 2014

Officials are now saying that the Silver Line won’t open until January, a delay from the expected December opening. Construction is 94% done, with some cosmetic work to be done before WMATA can start its review. (WTOP)

Silver surcharge?

Since most riders aren’t going to Loudoun County, Supervisor Matt Letourneau wants to institute a surcharge at the future Dulles Airport Silver Line station to pay for maintenance.  But then shouldn’t there be a surcharge at DCA as well? (Examiner)

Commuter buses escape fee

A $5 surcharge for commuter buses entering the District likely won’t make it into the final DC budget after 10 Congressmen from Maryland and Virginia objected. (Post)

Storm brewing

Severe thunderstorms are on their way, and it might even be another derecho. The federal government is even allowing unscheduled leave and telework in anticipation of the storm. (Post)

Houses without owners

Blighted properties with no obvious owner can rack up huge tax bills for more than the property is worth, making them difficult to sell.  DC has other processes to offload the properties, but doesn’t use them much. (City Paper)

MBT attack was a big group

The cyclist assaulted on the Metropolitan Branch Trail may have been attacked by as many as 15 youths.  In response to the attack, WABA will hold a safety walk of the trail on Friday. (Post)

How the population grows

DC is getting younger and more white, Hispanic, and Asian. DC also has a higher percentage of women than any full state. (Post, Examiner)

Hands-free is still distracted

Voice-controlled access to text messaging and phone calls still represents a dangerous distraction that should be limited, says AAA.  But car makers are unlikely to change course, with half of all cars predicted to have this technology by 2019. (NPR, NYT, Ben Ross)