Breakfast links: Let the debates begin
Mayoral candidates spar in debate
The first of 4 scheduled DC mayoral debates took place last night. The debate quickly became nasty as the candidates took jabs over ethics, campaign finance reform, and education. (Post)
Pot legalization likely
A new poll shows DC voters support Initiative 71 to legalize marijuana by a 2-to-1 margin. Full legalization will put DC in direct conflict with federal drug laws on the doorstep of the federal government. (Post)
More bike commuters
Thanks to new bike lanes and Capital Bikeshare, the number of bike commuters in DC has more than doubled since 2009. At 4.5%, DC is second only to Portland for the percentage of people commuting by bike. (Streetsblog)
Income inequality is high
In 2013, the Washington region had the highest median household income among the top 25 largest US metro areas. However, 115,000 DC residents, nearly 19%, were living below the poverty line in 2013. (WBJ, DCist)
Support for school boundaries
A majority of DC residents support Mayor Gray’s new school boundaries plan. Both Muriel Bowser and David Catania oppose the plan, but the school lottery opens in December before a new mayor will take office. (City Paper)
Bethesda blues
Montgomery County could not reach a development deal around the Purple Line station in Bethesda. The county hoped a development could make room for a larger station, but the deal fell through. (Post)
No Silver Line payment runoff
After stating that the second phase of the Silver Line will comply with stormwater runoff regulations, the MWAA said the decision will not impact taxpayers or Dulles Toll Road drivers. (WAMU)
Long Bridge replacement
The USDOT will provide funding to help to replace the 100-year-old Long Bridge. A new bridge could handle more trains, including high-speed rail, along with bikes and pedestrians. (Post)
Fully automated transit coming to Hawaii
To alleviate terrible congestion, Honolulu is constructing a 20-mile rapid transit system. The rail line will be the first in the country to be completely autonomous. (CityLab)
And…
More millennials are moving to Alexandria and Arlington than anywhere else in the country. (WBJ) … A new Instagram account exposes city council members who park illegally. (City Paper) … DC won’t get an extended stay on a ruling that overturned its handgun ban. (WAMU)