Breakfast links: Drawing the line
New lines for schools
There’s a new proposal for school boundaries in DC. “Choice zones” are gone, but 10% of seats at each school get reserved for out-of-boundary students. Most people east of Rock Creek would no longer be in boundary for Wilson High School. (City Paper)
The Tax Warrior II
Yoga studios and others are organizing to stop the broader sales tax that would no longer exempt fitness and other services. Jack Evans opposes the change; Matt Yglesias defends it. (DCist, Vox)
A better tax option?
DC’s tax proposals may make the tax code a little more progressive, but also includes some bad ideas. Instead of sales taxes, how about taxing pollution or vehicle value? (Nothing More Powerful)
Too tired?
A truck crash that injured Tracy Morgan and killed another comedian has thrown a spotlight on a proposed rule change that would let long-haul truckers put in up to 82 hours a week behind the wheel, up from 60 or 70. (US News)
Was it “just an accident?”
The driver of the truck says everyone should just move on and not scrutinize his driving, because it was just an “accident.” This is why many argue we should stop using the word “accident.” (Streetsblog)
Silver Line could get a date
Metro’s board has given GM Richard Sarles the authority to set a start date for the Silver Line. There’s no date yet, but train operators will begin simulating service on July 20. (WAMU)
Where the housing is affordable
Vouchers are supposed to be an alternative to public housing that let people choose where to live and dilute concentrated poverty. But in our region, voucher users live in highly concentrated areas anyway. (City Paper)
No more secret meetings
The parking garage where Bob Woodward met Deep Throat will soon be gone as its building and another get redeveloped into new office and residential with a grocery store. The developer will include a “historical interpretation” to commemorate the spot. (WBJ)
Underground railroad
The tunnel between the West Baltimore MARC and Baltimore Penn Station is a key rail bottleneck in the northeast corridor. Studies of a $1.5 billion replacement are underway and officials are seeking public input. (Baltimore Sun)