Breakfast links: Why hitting the walk button doesn’t decrease wait times
A walk signal button in DC by Eric Fischer licensed under Creative Commons.
Walk buttons don’t serve the purpose you might think they do
Though there are often “walk” buttons at crosswalks, they typically have little to no effect on how long you will wait for a walk signal. However, pushing it does activate sounds to help those with visual impairments cross safely. (Jordan Pascale / WAMU)
Metro plans to reopen closed stations in September
Metro plans to reopen the six closed stations south of National Airport in Virginia by September 8. Though most major construction is done, the date remains tentative since remaining construction could be delayed due to weather. (Jordan Pascale / WAMU)
Slower streets do more than increase safety
Evidence suggests that a new trend in US cities to lower speed limits could have positive spin-off effects beyond increasing safety. (Andrew Small / CityLab)
This DC program offers free taxi rides to grocery stores
The DC government will provide free taxi trips to residents in Wards 7, 8 and 6 for residents going to buy groceries. The program builds upon an existing program, which provides residents free or subsidized rides to reach public transportation. (Michael Laris / Post)
Jack Evans has been fined for ethics violations
After months of controversy and scrutiny, the DC Ethics Board has fined Councilmember Jack Evans $20,000 for ethics violations. (Fenit Nirappil / Post)
Prices for single-family homes in DC continue to rise
The good news: Washington, DC real estate is not the most expensive in the country. The bad news: It is the 13th most expensive in the country. A new report shows that the average price of a single-family home in the area rose to $465,000. (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)
Many DC residents serve prison sentences outside the region
Thousands of local people convicted of felonies end up serving time outside of the region since DC doesn’t have a prison to hold those convicted in DC Superior Court. Advocates are concerned that this will impact recidivism rates. (NBC4)
Smorgasburg DC closes for the month of August
The weekly open-air food festival Smorgasburg DC closing for August in light of the heat and lower attendance numbers. Organizers say the event will return September 7, with new vendors from across the region. (Lenore T. Adkins / DCist)
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