Breakfast Links: Cold snap could kill the cherry blossoms

Late cold front could doom this year’s cherry blossoms

This years late cold snap could spell doom for D.C.'s famous cherry blossoms. While it has never happened before, all or most of the blossoms could freeze and die, depending on how cold or how snowy the region is this week.  (The Washington Post)

Metro can’t predict how many riders it will get

Metro can't predict how many riders it will have in the future - and not because of SafeTrack. Metro's ridership models have been off for years due to the recession, fluctuations in federal employment, telecommuting, and the popularity of ride-hailing services. Other transit agencies are facing a similar problem.  (Martin Di Caro / WAMU 88.5)

Metro’s ridership numbers are dragging down national averages

Metro has lost so many riders that it's enough to affect the national average. Across the country, subway rides were down 0.3 percent but if you remove Metro's figures, ridership actually grows by 0.6 percent. Metro recorded 15 million fewer rides in 2016.   (Benjamin Freed / Washingtonian)

Robots may be delivering your food soon

Postmates inaugurated its fleet of robot delivery units, which will roll across the city to deliver your food. The robots are equipped with GPS, nine cameras, and can sense and react to pedestrians on the sidewalk.  (Kayla Randall / Washingtonian)

There are 42 words you can’t use in an email to DC government

The DC government's spam filter is triggered by just 42 words, and could also inadvertently stop social services groups, like ones that report sexual assault, from reaching their representatives.   (Justin Wm. Moyer / The Washington Post)

Reston residents just want their free parking back

Residents and business owners at Reston Town Center protested the new parking fee of $2 per hour on weekdays, which went into effect in January. They say it is bad for business, and will deter customers from shopping.   (Antonio Olivio / The Washington Post)

Economically diverse neighborhoods yield greater benefits

Economically diverse neighborhoods have more benefits for lower income black and Latino youth, according to a new study. In addition to outcomes, the study examines the effects of policies like the Lower Income Housing Tax Credit.  (MiMi Kirk / City Lab)