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A morning roundup of news, opinion, and links from City Paper and around the District. Send tips and ideas to citydesk@washingtoncitypaper.com.

When Ballou High School announced that 100 percent of students in its class of 2017 graduated this past spring, it became a national news story. Only 57 percent of seniors graduated in 2016 and just 51 percent graduated the year before. An investigation by WAMU and NPR shows that all students who graduated may not have been eligible to do so. Half the students missed more than three months of school and 20 percent were absent more than they were present. Teachers who spoke with reporters say Ballou’s administration pressured them to pass unqualified students.

LEADING THE MORNING NEWS:

  • American University president’s home is tested for discarded munitions. [WTOP]

  • Archdiocese of Washington sues Metro over blocked Christmas ad. [WUSA9]

  • Maryland Reps. Brownand Raskin propose flat Metro fare in new bill. [WJLA]

  • Neighbors and construction workers help MPD find assault suspect. [WJLA]

  • Good news: Yesterday’s Metro signal problem is fixed for today’s commute. [NBC4]

  • Amtrak police investigating vicious assault of woman inside Union Station. [FOX5]

  • D.C. United’s pricy new stadium won’t be ready for beginning of next season. [Post]

  • U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approves tweaked Frederick Douglas Bridge plans. [WAMU]

RECENT CITY PAPER STORIES TO HELP YOU MAKE SENSE OF YOUR DAY:

LOOSE LIPS LINKS, by Jeffrey Anderson (tips? jeff.anderson@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • D.C.’s Veritas Law Firm has nothing to do with Project Veritas or Roy Moore. [WUSA9]

  • Project Veritas “activist” who failed at stingingPost rented Capitol Hill basement of Democratic operative. [Post]

  • Putin ally has ties to formerHaftmansion on Embassy Row. [Post]

ARTS LINKS, by Matt Cohen (tips? mcohen@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • GoldLink’s “Crew,” featuring Shy Glizzy, gets a Grammy nomination. [DC Music Download]

  • The D.C. area’s newest theater company, Best Medicine Rep, opens in Gaithersburg’s Lakeforest Mall. [DC Theatre Scene]

  • D.C. pop quartet BRNDAdiscuss balancing work and music, running a DIY venue in their home. [BYT]

  • Local death metal trio Genocide Pact sign to Relapse Records, debut first track from upcoming album. [Relapse Records]

  • Kennedy Center seeks contractors who will incorporate its namesake’s legacy into its design. [WBJ]

YOUNG & HUNGRY LINKS, by Laura Hayes (tips? lhayes@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Pups on patios legislation is gaining support on the D.C. Council. [WTOP]

  • Maryland brewers are still fighting dated laws that inhibit their production.  [Post]

  • CAVA founders will try out new French Mediterranean concept in North Bethesda. [Bethesda Mag]

  • These were the most important D.C. area restaurant openings of 2017. [Zagat]

  • People care too much about food emojis. [Eater]

HOUSING COMPLEX LINKS, by Andrew Giambrone (tips? agiambrone@washingtoncitypaper)

  • Advocates and officials discuss changes to D.C.’s homeless shelter policies. [WAMU]

  • Burleith residents consider “custom zoning” as they deal with major development in the neighborhood. [Current]

  • D.C. selects a development team for former Temple Courts site in NoMa. [WBJ]

  • Local affordable housing developers worry about consequences of new tax bill. [Bisnow]

  • Groundbreaking on NoMa hotel/apartment project set for 2018. [Curbed DC]

  • More on the D.C. Court of Appeals siding with Union Market developers. [WBJ]

  • On the market for $2.2 million: a Capitol Hill church that’s now a house. [Curbed DC]

  • Urban planning and design at The Wharf is working as intended. [GGW]

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