Breakfast links: NTSB report criticizes WMATA’s approach to safety prior to derailment
Brookland Metro station by Elvert Barnes licensed under Creative Commons.
National Transportation Safety Board report criticizes WMATA’s safety culture leading up to 2021 derailment
A report from the National Transportation Safety Board has determined that Metro knew about the dangerous wheel issue that led to the October 2021 derailment and led to the removal of 7000-series cars from service. The 7000-series train manufacturer, Kawasaki, and Metro have each blamed each other for the incident. (Thomas Robertson / WTOP)
DC, Alexandria residents band together to protest Potomac Yard arena
On Thursday, residents of Alexandria and the District joined forces to protest the upcoming Potomac Yard arena. Alexandria’s residents cited concerns over the lack of infrastructure to support the stadium while District residents pointed out the economic consequences the project would have on Chinatown, which has the infrastructure to support the stadium. (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)
Howard County Council declines to consider housing bills focused on curbing rent increases
The Howard County Council has declined to advance the HOME Package, a series of bills that would create mechanisms to preserve affordable housing units and cap rent increases. One lawmaker expressed a preference for increasing housing supply rather than capping rents. Howard County is currently one of the most expensive areas in Maryland. (This article is behind a paywall). (Hallie Miller / The Baltimore Banner)
Virginia General Assembly resuming, with major NoVA issues on the table
Virginia’s General Assembly, which now holds Democratic majorities in the House and Senate, will start its 2024 session on January 10. The Assembly faces several major issues impacting Northern Virginia, including Metro funding and the planned Potomac Yard arena. (Margaret Barthel / DCist)
DC Auditor finds DC inappropriately excluded DCHA from financial statements
The Office of the DC Auditor found that the city inappropriately excluded DCHA in its recent financial statements. DC’s Chief Financial Officer disagrees with the characterization of the omission and said that the District’s independent auditing firm agreed that the omission was permissible. (This article is behind a paywall). (Steve Thompson / Post)
Fairfax Connector workers vote to authorize a strike
Fairfax Connector employees authorized a strike on December 29 should negotiations with operator Transdev break down. Another bargaining session is coming up on January 19. The union has demanded better working conditions, including increased wages, sick leave, medical care, and retirement. (Angela Woolsey / FFXNow)
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