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26 Jun 2009 17:22

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U.S.: For those commuters still on edge: More D.C. Metro drama

FIre was reported inside Pentagon City’s Metro station. Multiple reports via Tweet, including from the D.C. Metro’s own account, report that there was rush-hour fire that forced an emergency evacuation of the Blue Line station. This comes just days after the worst accident in the train system’s history, a profound cluster something-or-other that left nine dead and appears to be the fault of old equipment that the city didn’t pay to replace. Update: Crisis averted. Still, good reason to be jumpy right now. source

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23 Jun 2009 11:08

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U.S.: Feds: We told the D.C. Metro to upgrade trains; they didn’t yet

The trains involved were getting old and outdated. In response to a 2004 crash that injured 20, the National Transportation Safety Board says that it told the city of Washington in 2006 that it needed to upgrade some of its trains or phase them out. It didn’t happen. “They have not been able to do that and our recommendation was not addressed,” NTSB spokeswoman Debbie Hersman said. For Metro riders: this is not good. source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

23 Jun 2009 08:59

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U.S.: The tally from the D.C. Metro crash has risen, but not hugely

7 people died in the accident, which tore out an entire Metro car in dramatic fashion, sez mayor Adrian Fenty source

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22 Jun 2009 21:34

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U.S.: Survivors note how scary the D.C. Metro incident was

It happened so quick. The floor smushed up. It was lifted up. I saw the debris flying toward me. I was choking on the smoke.
Brianna Milstead • A 17-year-old high school student who was in the colliding train’s front car when it crashed into a train held up by traffic. The train crashed spectacularly, raising the car Milstead was in on top of the other one and tearing out its floor. Another survivor in the center of the storm, Marcie Bacchus, 30, put it succinctly: “The front of the train just opened up.” • source

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22 Jun 2009 21:20

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U.S.: Post-crash, why being a commuter in D.C. will suck tomorrow

As opposed to the automated computer controls the trains usually use, all trains will be operating in manual mode tomorrow. source

The crash happened on the Red Line, by far the busiest line and the main downtown line, ensuring that commutes will be a pain. source

Those who use Maryland’s MARC commuter rail lines will also be in trouble, as the Brunswick Line is suspended indefinitely. source

Sure, buses will be running to replace the trains, but Red Line trains hold up to 1,000 people. Your average Metro bus holds 50-60. source

And finally, the intangible. Anytime a major crash like this happens, fear sets in. Tensions flare. Careful tomorrow, guys. source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

22 Jun 2009 18:30

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U.S.: Holy God, this DC Metro crash is bad. Very bad.

At least two people have been confirmed dead thus far. And lots of people are injured. This is the scariest thing we’ve ever seen. source

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22 Jun 2009 18:10

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U.S.: Scary: If you live in DC and use the Metro, stay off the Red line

Metro reports that 2 train collided and one train is on top of the other train. Metro reports massive injuries at this time. The green line and the red line are affected. Further information to follow.
A text alert sent by the AlertDC system • Informing commuters of a crash on the DC Metro’s Red Line. Here’s a photo. We’ll keep you posted as more happens. • source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 3 Comments • Permalink

04 May 2009 09:53

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Offbeat, U.S.: Obama’s “Oh-mama”-in-law is adapting to D.C. life pretty well

Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s mom, had never lived outside of Chicago before she moved into the White House, and left for the District “kicking and screaming.” She did yoga! But she wanted to help her grandkids get settled, so she moved. source

Now, three months in, Robinson is savoring her life as a D.C. socialite – she’s out and about nearly as much as her kid, “so much so that sometimes we have to plan our schedule around her schedule,” Michelle joked. No word on if she’s still doing yoga. source

before source

after source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

11 Apr 2009 09:33

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U.S.: The Obamas need a church. Must be in D.C. No crazy pastors.

It’s extremely competitive. Every church in the city is trying to attract the Obamas.
Michael A. Brown • D.C. city councilman, on the Obama family plight of finding a new church in Washington. Part of the struggle they face is that they need to find one without a controversial pastor, so Obama’s staff is vetting preachers. The Obamas will likely try out a church in the city tomorrow, Easter Sunday. • source

Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

09 Apr 2009 00:46

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U.S.: D.C.’s gay marriage bill could put Congress in a weird spot

Everyone would agree we have a tricky relationship with Congress, even when our allies are in power. But progress is made by moving forward, not standing still.
David Catania • D.C. City Council member, on a preliminary vote to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere in the country. The council’s votes would need to get through Congress before they’re official, which will put a state issue in front of a legislature that has thus far avoided it. Catania, by the way, is openly gay. • source

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