Photo by cakeebakey on Flickr.

40th birthday challenges

Metro has done a lot of good for the area.  Now WMATA and local officials must work together to address decades of deferred maintenance, win dedicated funding, and establish a “safety culture.” (WTOP)  

Another safety leader bites the dust

Acting Metro Chief Safety Officer Louis Brown resigned on Friday.  He took on the role after James Dougherty left the agency following the August train derailment near Smithsonian. (NBC4)  

Pay to stay out of crime

The DC Council wants to adopt a California program that pays at-risk individuals up to $1,000 per month not to commit gun crimes.  Mayor Bowser and Police Chief Lanier are skeptical. (Post)  

Development opportunities abound

Local investors will have an opportunity to redevelop 17 District-owned properties currently vacant or underutilized.  The properties could potentially become affordable housing or new schools. (Post)  

Torpedo Factory factions

Old Town Alexandria’s Torpedo Factory has hosted art studios for 42 years. Board members want to simplify management to help innovate and grow, but artists worry about ruining the environment they built. (Post)  

More ambulances for DC

Starting today, 35 private ambulances will pitch in to help DC FEMS transport patients.  DC FEMS will still act as first responders; the private ambulances will only take over in non-life threatening situations. (WAMU)  

No-fly zone blues

Drone delivery probably isn’t coming to the District anytime soon thanks to no-fly zones put in place after 9/11.  But people will surely push for changes as drones become more ubiquitous nationwide. (Post)  

Urban desires and reality

Data suggests that most city-dwelling millennials relocate the suburbs once they starting having children.  But many would have preferred to remain in urban areas if they had access to better schools, more space and lower housing costs. (Grist)