Breakfast links: Never change

In the middle of change

DC’s Meridian Hill Park is more safe and welcoming than it’s been in decades, and attracts diverse crowds every weekend. But some park regulars fear changes in the surrounding neighborhood threaten that diversity. (Post)

Uber-difficult

Disability rights advocactes say Uber needs to serve riders in wheelchairs, but Uber argues it’s a technology company and ADA rules don’t apply. It wants to partner with local taxi companies for accessible vans. So far, no takers. (WAMU)

Metro under the microscope

Metro will hold a meeting about this month’s derailment in early September. The region’s U.S. senators called for an earlier meeting, but more information about the derailment will be available at the later date. (Post)

Take the A+ train

DC’s public school students can now ride Metrorail for free. They have been able to ride Metrobuses for free since 2013. The school system hopes the move will reduce truancy. (Post)

Baltimore on the back burner

Baltimore has lost influence under Governor Hogan’s administration, and city leaders feel insulted. Maryland could lose $100 million in federal funds by canceling the Red Line. (Post, Streetsblog)

Press on

After Lord & Taylor won its suit against White Flint Mall’s owner, locals hope to see the redevelopment move forward anyway. Business owners and officials say the time is right for new retail and residences. (Bethesda Beat)

Kensington school concerns

Montgomery County will soon start construction on a new middle school in Kensington, but planning officials and neighbors oppose the design. MCPS made a few suggested changes to the building. (Bethesda Beat)

How to pay

HOT lanes and transit are coming to I-66 outside the Beltway in Virginia, and they could be financed by a public-private partnership. The state is looking at all the options, including public financing, or something like the express lanes on I-95. (Post)

Bike bits

Greg Billing, WABA’s new head, assesses the state of bicycling in and around DC. (Post) … See the best and worst neighborhoods for biking in DC. (WBJ) … In Austin, TX as in many places police often don’t know bike laws. (ShefmanLaw, Dave G)