Breakfast links: The leaked LaHood report hasn’t helped local politicians find consensus on Metro
NoMa metro station. Image by Mike Maguire used with permission.
Local politicians weigh in on the new Metro report
Following Ray LaHood's leaked report on Metro, local politicians are doubling down on their divided stances without coming to any new agreements. Maryland and DC disagree on how to raise funds, while Virginia is divided over what to do with the board. (Robert McCartney and Martine Powers / Post)
Athletes and legislators oppose banning sports on the National Mall
Eleanor Holmes Norton sided with local athletes who oppose the National Park Service closing the fields by the Washington Monument to games. Area sports company DC Fray started an online petition against the ban, which thousands of people have signed. (Nick Iannelli / WTOP)
DC is offering legal aid to government employees applying for citizenship
Mayor Bowser announced that DC would help up to 2,000 city employees and their families who are eligible to apply for citizenship with legal aid, language classes, and information sessions, potentially saving them thousands of dollars. (Rachel Chason / Post)
The upkeep on the unused RFK stadium isn’t cheep
RFK stadium is quiet without DC United, but security and utilities for even the empty stadium cost the city about $2 million per year. There are no new tenants lined up for the space, but the city does not plan to abandon or demolish it. (Rebecca Cooper / WBJ)
Lawsuit in Stafford County election tallying is dismissed
Stafford County's delegate election has Republican Bob Thomas in the lead by a mere 82 votes. A judge just dismissed a lawsuit against election officials, clearing the path for certification of the election — and likely, a recount. (Roanoke Times)
Shipping container houses face an uphill climb in DC
In the past three years, three developers proposed building residential units out of former shipping containers, but at least two of those projects have been dropped over budget concerns and difficulties meeting city water regulations. (Urban Turf)
UPS is testing a bike package delivery program in Pittsburgh
The company is putting an e-trike on the road that can carry 300-400 pounds and maneuver on narrower streets than a truck. Pittsburgh will be the first US city to have a year-round bike delivery vehicle, though they are common in Europe. (Angie Schmitt / Streetsblog)
Spring break will shrink in Montgomery County schools
The Montgomery County School Board voted to trim spring break from ten days down to six. New state mandates set the start and end dates of summer break, so board members were limited in ways to add instruction days. (Andrew Metcalf / Bethesda Beat)
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