Breakfast Links: A new proposal for paid family leave

New proposal for paid family leave would decrease the pool of people covered

With paid family leave still under discussion, DC Councilmembers Mary Cheh and Jack Evans introduced a new bill that would eliminate coverage for federal and District employees, decrease the payroll tax increase funding the program, and mandate that large employers fund the benefit themselves.  (Peter Jamison / Post)

Wiedefeld says WMATA can’t keep relying on internal cost cutting

Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld says that WMATA, which is facing budget shortfalls of $125 and $290 million in the next two years, is nearing a financial rock bottom, and that the internal cost cutting done this year is unsustainable in the long run.  (Martin Di Caro / WAMU)

Residents say no to rooftop decks for new Westbard townhouses

Westbard residents support a proposed zoning amendment that would limit rooftop decks on new townhouses coming to the area. Residents say the planned townhouses are already too tall, and rooftop decks would bring about noise and privacy issues.  (Bethany Rodgers / Bethesda Beat)

Charging ports for the Circulator

DC Councilmember Brandon Todd has proposed a tech upgrade for the Circulator. He wants to add free WiFi and USB charging ports in all buses.  (Ryan O. Ferguson / DC Inno)

51 stars at the EU when the Vice President visited

When Vice President Mike Pence made a visit to the European Union, the US flag in the room had 51 stars instead of the usual 50. While the European Union hasn't explained the change, DC residents and media are taking it as a show of support for statehood.  (Benjamin Freed / Washingtonian)

Where US bridges are falling down, mapped

Where could you spend a trillion dollars on infrastructure? How about bridges so old they're “functionally obsolete”? This interactive map shows bridge safety and sufficiency nationwide, down to county level.  (Denise Lu, Dan Keating / Post)