The Metro system, once a reliable point of pride for D.C.’s boosters, has had a rough few years: Safety problems, escalator outages, and rising prices have made the subway a regular subject of local griping. At times, it can be hard to keep up with the torrent of unflattering Metro-related scoops. As a public service, Washington City Paper is offering beleaguered riders this irregular round-up of recent media lowlights:

• Shaw, U Street, and Columbia Heights Metro stations will close over this Columbus Day weekend to accommodate track work. The Post offers advice: how to get around efficiently, from the Going Out Gurus, and what to expect, from Dr. Gridlock.
• According to the Examiner, Metro board members spend up to a reported amount of $13,265 on lunch.
• A dead body found in the tracks of the Metro by Rockville has been identified.
• Unsuck DC Metro asks: What’s really up with the $70 million radio system?
• Some boycott the Metro—but end up pleasantly surprised.
• Virginia is starting a study called “Super NoVa.” The name’s catchy, but will it help to resolve Metro-specific problems in northern Virginia?
• D.C. residents have trouble with Metro’s customer service line.
• The agency has released a list of scheduled construction for the remainder of the year.