Breakfast links: Blitzes and bans

Metro’s got more than 99 problems

Federal inspectors have told Metro to immediately start resolving more than 200 “critical concerns regarding fire/life safety” uncovered during the safety blitz inspections that concluded this week. (WAMU)

Now ban the other box

DC Councilmembers McDuffie and Bonds introduced new legislation to prohibit landlords from asking about applicants’ prior convictions. The bill comes on the heels of previous “ban the box” employment laws. (DCist)

Co-op opt out

Lots of new condo buildings are coming to DC, but there aren’t nearly as many new co-ops. Are the challenges of cooperative governing structures for homeownership turning people away? (Urban Turf)

Energy bills, bills, bills

Pepco has filed a request to increase rates for Maryland customers, amounting to about 10 percent on the average monthly bill. DC customers could potentially see a rate increase later this year. (WBJ)

Fire on the mountain

A wildfire in Shenandoah National Park has spread to more than 3000 acres. Lots of roads and trails have closed, including Skyline Drive. (Post)

Fighting words (on license plates)

Lawmakers want to update DC’s famous protest license plates by changing the their language to “End Taxation without Representation,” in an attempt to make the slogan more of a demand. (Post)

(Development) stop requested

DC police clashed with activists protesting developer-affiliated bus tours of Anacostia. The tours, meant to highlight economic growth opportunities, have been dubbed “gentrification safaris” by protesters. (City Paper)

Cycling at a crossroads

Researchers in Portland are beginning an extensive global study to identity the best way to design an intersection for bicycle use. The goal is to produce a set of best practices that can be implemented in any city. (CityLab)

Sounds like progress

Uber launched a new initiative to hire more drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing through online recruiting in American Sign Language and outreach in areas with large deaf populations. (Post)

And…

Two photographers got a rare peak into the hidden Pyongyang metro system. (Gizmodo) …  Fairfax debuted a new hotline to report potential construction violations. (Fairfax County) … A former Metro board member is “amazed” people are still riding Metro given all it’s problems. (WTOP) … A Danish design firm targets the Pennsylvania Avenue bike lane for its poorly-conceived design. (Copenhagenize)