Metro train in Washington, D.C.
Credit: Darrow Montgomery/file

The last of the summer holidays is officially over, but the spirit of Labor Day continues for members of the Politics & Prose Workers Union, who announced their first union contract at a press conference outside the store this morning. Workers reached a tentative agreement late last month and members voted to approve it this morning.

This weekend also brought more trains and reopened stations to Metro, and a new curfew for Prince George’s County youth.

Just Keep Rolling Along

As more commuters return to work, Metro and the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission reached an agreement allowing the return to service of up to 20 7000 series trains. Use of the 7000 series cars was suspended nearly a year ago, following a derailment and subsequent investigation, and many remain under inspection. Train frequency will also increase on weekends, with wait times on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines expected to drop from 20 minutes to 15 minutes. One additional piece of good Metro news: the New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood, and Minnesota Avenue stations on the Orange line reopened this morning with upgraded platforms after a monthslong closure.

In less great Metro news, Red line service was suspended between NoMa-Gallaudet U and Takoma stations during Friday’s rush hour after an individual attempting to flee law enforcement ran onto the tracks. The person was arrested once power to the tracks was cut. Metro GM Randy Clarke tells the Post he’s working to champion customers and improve the system’s reliability. 

30 Days and 30 Nights

On Monday, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced a curfew for residents under 17 years of age that will begin on Sept. 9 and last for at least 30 days. Described as a “cooling off period,” the curfew extends from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from midnight to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Minors must be home during that period unless they are in the company of an adult. 

The curfew announcement comes after Prince George’s County experienced its deadliest month in decades, according to Alsobrooks. Twenty-four homicides occurred in the month of August and 430 juveniles have been arrested in 2022. Parents or guardians of individuals who violate the curfew rules will be subject to a fine of $50 to $250, as well as related fees. 

—Caroline Jones (tips? cjones@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • To see today’s COVID-19 data, visit our coronavirus tracker.
  • An MPD officer helped derail the investigation into the death of Seth Rich by leaking information to a conservative blogger. [Rolling Stone]
  • In the aftermath of the Casa Ruby financial saga, the DC Center and the Capital Pride Alliance are raising money for current and former employees at the nonprofit. [WTOP, Capital Pride Alliance]
  • The National Capital Planning Commission has given the OK for a park dedicated to peace and honoring Peace Corps volunteers near the U.S. Capitol. [NCPC]
  • A new survey from the D.C. Nurses Association shows that staffing issues remain a major issue in workplaces. [NBC Washington]

By City Paper staff (tips? editor@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Surprise, surprise: Opponents of Initiative 82 will again appeal a ruling keeping the tipped minimum wage measure on the November ballot. This time, they’re asking the full Court of Appeals for a decision after a three-judge panel ruled in favor of the ballot measure. [Post]
  • Mayor Muriel Bowser penned a Labor Day op-ed with the leader of prominent local union SEIU 32BJ, arguing for a raise for service workers at the region’s airports. [Informer]
  • With test results showing slipping reading proficiency levels, DC Public Schools rolled out a new program aimed at giving younger kids a boost (with a curriculum including books by D.C. authors). [Post]

By Alex Koma (tips? akoma@washingtoncitypaper.com)

Credit: Crystal Fernanders

The Carry-Out Critic Finds Heavenly Biscuits at Sincerely Breakfast

Sincerely Breakfast, an all-day breakfast spot, operates under Dupont Circle in the Underground Food Court.

  • Pull out your best Maryland recipes: Food historian Joyce White is assembling a cookbook of recipes with roots in the state. [DCist]
  • Could crab shells be used to make batteries for electric vehicles? University of Maryland researchers made a battery that incorporates seafood waste. [WTOP]
  • A group of Capitol Hill residents pooled their funds and bought the former Mott’s Market space on 12th Street SE. [WTOP]
  • Local pastry chef and Bakers Against Racism co-founder Paola Velez can be seen on the new season of Selena + Chef, now streaming on HBO Max. [Washingtonian]

By City Paper staff (tips? editor@washingtoncitypaper.com)

Sarah Marloff is away from her desk. Arts Links will return next week.

By Sarah Marloff (tips? smarloff@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Hyattsville native Frances Tiafoe snapped Rafael Nadal’s 22-match winning streak at the U.S. Open, beating the 22-time Grand Slam champion in the tournament’s round of 16 last night. [ESPN]
  • Wizards star Bradley Beal was in the stands to root for Tiafoe last night. [NBC Washington]
  • Can Carson Wentz end the Washington Commanders’ decades-long quarterback crisis? [Post]

By City Paper staff (tips? editor@washingtoncitypaper.com)

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