Breakfast links: It’s happening!(?)

Final countdown to DC Streetcar?

The DC Streetcar is entering “pre-revenue operations,” which will take 21 days. After that, the fire department could sign off for passenger service by mid-January, or ask for further changes. (DCist)

Money for Metro

A spending deal in Congress restored federal funding for WMATA. The federal $150 million a year contribution toward Metro repairs had been cut in earlier versions of the budget bills. (The Hill)

FTA’s naughty list

The Feds ordered Metro to fix more than 200 safety issues, most of which Metro has known about for years.  The directive calls out basic tasks like replacing fire extinguishers, but also bigger issues like bad communication. (Post)

Body camera bill passes

The DC Council mandated that police wear body cameras. An amendment to the bill allows officers to view camera footage before writing their report, except in cases involving police shootings, but most footage filmed in public space will be available to the public. (City Paper)

Block the vote

Opponents of a higher DC minimum wage say the Board of Elections doesn’t have authority to make the issue a 2016 ballot initiative. That thinking calls into question the validity of all DC elections since 2012. (WAMU)

Duty calls

With 70,000 DC residents ignoring jury summons last year, DC’s rate of jury participation is half the national average. The Council for Court Excellence has new recommendations aimed at improving response rate and jury service. (WAMU)

Metro responsibly

MillerCoors wants to sponsor free rides on Metro rail and bus on New Year’s Eve. Metro also recently lifted a ban on alcohol advertising, though Maryland still prohibits it. (Post)

Vacant no more

DC Councilmember Elissa Silverman wants stronger and more efficient enforcement of laws around vacant properties in the District. She proposed a bill that would encourage owners to put vacant properties to use. (PoPville)

Repair and rebuild

A non-profit DC bike shop is teaching kids to repair bikes and building job skills and self-esteem in the process. (WAMU)

And…

Seattle is the first city in the US to allow Uber drivers to unionize. (VICE)… What do you call a man who shuts down a major freeway to propose to his girlfriend? (Post) … Vince Gray may want a “do-over” on the 2014 mayoral election. (WAMU)