Breakfast links: One year after a major audit, the Circulator is still struggling

DC Circulator’s ridership drops amid performance woes

Circulator has not addressed major issues revealed in an audit last year, like poor on-time performance, poor worker morale, and shoddy maintenance. Ridership for the Circulator between January and April dropped a whopping 14% over 2016.  (Martin Di Caro / WAMU)

Changes may be coming to TOPA

The DC Realtors Association says some renters are exploiting TOPA for financial gain, and has proposed changing the law to remove TOPA protections from single-family homes. Councilmember Anita Bonds will convene a working group to examine the law.  (NBCWashington)

Name these trash-gobbling boats but please, no “Trashy McTrashface”

DC Water needs help naming two new boats that cruise the Potomac and Anacostia rivers to collect garbage. This is worth many more internet points than naming eaglets.  (Rachel Kurzius / DCist)

The first heat wave of the year could hit this week

The region is going to feel the heat, starting tomorrow. Even if the next few days don't hit 90 degrees to attain official heat wave status, the end of the week is gonna be a scorcher. Stay hydrated and break out the sunscreen!  (Christina Sturdivant / DCist)

When the heat is on, Metro won’t stay cool

Why are Metro stations so stuffy and warm? Metro operates 32 massive chillers but the very old pipes that carry cool air into the station are leaking. Replacing the entire system would disrupt parts of downtown DC.  (Martin Di Caro / WAMU)

Go see Dumbarton Oaks before it closes!

Dumbarton Oaks Gardens, a gem of Georgetown, will be closed for 8 months to replace its stormwater management system. Go see it before July (and before it gets too hot).  (Georgetown Metropolitan)

The concrete of the future might be made of hemp

Concrete made from hemp might be the building material of the future, but right now it has to be imported because America doesn't manufacture much of it. Hemp is a natural insulator and absorbs moisture, potentially helping homes stay mold-free.  (Nena Perry-Brown / UrbanTurf)

Toronto is handing over a major road to streetcars (kind of)

Toronto's streetcars are popular, but the one that travels along King Street is often stuck in slow traffic. The city is changing the streets to make more room for the streetcar. Could their plan work for DC's H Street corridor?  (Stephen Miller / StreetsBlog)