Breakfast links: Avoiding meltdowns, nuclear and commuter

Security summit traffic

Downtown congestion could get a bit rough later this week thanks to the 2016 Nuclear Security Summit. A number of streets near the Convention Center, along with the Mount Vernon Metro Station, will close. (Post, WTOP)

Exelon deal or no deal

A clean energy group called Grid 2.0 filed a legal challenge to stop the Pepco-Exelon merger, and others, including DC government officials, are expected to follow suit during the deal’s 30-day review period. (WAMU)

Trail-oriented is the new black

More developers are building “trail-oriented” communities to cater to bike commuters. Government investment in recreational trails and other car-free infrastructure has helped spur the trend. (Post)

At the Monument, take the stairs

The Washington Monument closed after an elevator malfunction stranded 19 people more than halfway up, with an additional 23 people stuck at the top. (DCist)

Lap of non-luxury

The Buxton, a new development in Anacostia, shows that not all condos must target the luxury market. Built by a nonprofit developer, the building aims to be affordable for low- and moderate-income residents. (Post)

Fake grass, real problems

The Montgomery County Council wants county-owned artificial turf fields to be tested for carcinogenic substances. The turf at six schools in the county may include lead, chromium, cadmium and phthalate. (Bethesda Mag)

The struggle (to pay rent) is real

An increasing number of people simply can’t afford to pay rent. Getting evicted often increases the cycle of poverty, leaving low-income families with few options. (NPR)

A boom with a view

You can now enjoy a 360-degree view from the cranes at The Wharf construction site, the same cranes that made Iowa Congressman Rod Blum wish a recession on DC earlier this week. (DCist, Washingtonian)

Ever-expanding highways

It’s well-known that expanding roads does not calm congestion so why are so many cities doubling-down on highway expansion projects? Federal funding and lack of oversight explain a lot of the problem. (CityLab)

And…

Is it possible that millennials will leave cities as soon as they can afford to? (Fortune, Adam S.)… Transit agencies can compete for new federal bus funding (FTA)… Governor Hogan’s plan for Maryland redistricting may have numerous legal problems. (Post)