Breakfast links: Labor and politics

DC Council approves wage boost

The DC Council has unanimously approved a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $11.50 an hour. The Council approved expanding paid sick leave to tipped workers, such as restaurant servers. (WAMU)

Planners back Bethesda residential project

Despite a 1994 Master Plan to keep Bethesda’s “Metro Core” commercial, planners are urging the Montgomery County Planning Board to approve a residential project adjacent to the Bethesda Metro. (BethesdaNow)

Winter attractions coming to St. Elizabeths

The St. Elizabeths Pavilion in Ward 8 may feature snow slides, lights, and other winter activities to draw families. (DCist)

Hopscotch crosswalks come to Baltimore

Baltimore has installed brand new crosswalks in the Westside neighborhood featuring hopscotch. The crosswalks are 1 of 4 designed by artists to draw visitors to the new arts district. (Atlantic Cities)

More kids are walking to school

A new report released by the National Center for Safe Routes to Schools suggests that the number of children walking to school is on the rise. School bus ridership has dropped. (Streetsblog)

Can you tell if WMATA gets better?

WMATA’s metrics show service is getting better with improvements in on-time and reliability measures, but do these improvements translate to riders’ experience?  (Post)

And…

Condo values are actually falling in Ward 8. (CHOTR) … Take a peek inside the H Street Walmart, which opens today. (City Paper) … Could a gas tax hike be on the way? (Streetsblog)