Breakfast links: DC’s mayor vetoed a bill decriminalizing Metro fare evasion
Image by pablo.raw used with permission.
Bowser vetoes fare evasion decriminalization
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser struck down a bill approved by the DC Council to make fare evasion a civil offense. Supporters of the bill believe the current penalties for fare evasion disproportionately impact African-Americans. Currently, fare evaders risk jail time and high fines. (Jack Pointer / WTOP)
The government shutdown is slowing air travel
More and more TSA agents aren't coming into work due to financial strain, which has slowed the security process and made air travel more onerous. Three major airports are now operating under contingency plans. (Michael Laris and Ashley Halsey III / Post)
Baltimore’s bus redesign leaves more to be desired
The BaltimoreLink was supposed to give Baltimore residents better access to jobs and opportunities, but after the reboot, riders have seen little improvement. Overall system ridership has declined, and reliability remains a problem. (Danielle Sweeney / CityLab)
Arlington’s ‘habitual drunkards’ law targets people experiencing homelessness
Arlington has an unusual process that allows a judge to declare someone a “habitual drunkard” if they’ve committed multiple alcohol-related offenses. They can then be charged with a misdemeanor and jailed if they buy or drink alcohol again. (Alex Koma / ARLnow)
Metro might sell the popup dog park land in Columbia Heights
Metro wants to sell eight parcels of land, including a plot that has been used as a dog park since 2009. 11th and Bark, a local dog park association, is circulating a petition asking the city to buy it. The land is valued around $2.1 million. (Jordan Pascale / WAMU)
LGBTQ ANCs have started a “rainbow caucus”
LGBTQ members of the District's Advisory Neighborhood Commissions have developed a Rainbow Caucus to share resources, concerns, and potentially advocate for issues and legislation. ( Lou Chibbaro Jr. / Blade)
Should DC police be required to carry naloxone?
The Metropolitan Police Department doesn't see a need for its officers to carry naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug. In addition to concerns over cost and training, they say it's unnecessary because DC Fire and EMS workers already carry it. (Peter Jamison / Post)
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