DC Declared Third "Booziest" State; NFL Lockout May End Today: Morning Links

NFL Lockout May End Today: There may not yet be a deal on the debt ceiling, but there is good news for Redskins fans—ESPN is reporting that the NFL lockout, which involved a dispute between players and owners about how to split increasing revenue, will end today in DC. Representatives of the players' interests are scheduled to vote on the new 10-year labor deal today, ending a 130-day lockout. Just in time for preseason.

Pepco Contractors Steal from Utility: The "we're not even shooting for average" utility cannot catch a break. Two contractors, 44-year-old James A. Price and 37-year-old Anthony J. Tate, were arrested in Prince George's County on charges of theft from Pepco. They allegedly stole $70,000 of copper wiring over a four-year period from the company, NBC4 reports.

DC Declared Third "Booziest" State: Via DCist, a recent survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Aministration found that a quarter of Americans admitted to binge drinking in the last month. That led CBS News to rank the "booziest" states in the country, putting DC at number three. The survey found 29.69 percent of District residents reported binge drinking in the last month.

Maryland Starts Redistricting: As Maryland begins its redistricting process, determining new boundaries for congressional districts, its eight fairly powerful members of Congress are coming under criticism for being white members of Congress who represent diverse districts. The Washington Post reports that the debate has become tense over whether it is more important to increase representation of minorities in Congress or whether they should preserve the power of its congressional leaders. The debate is being hashed out in hearings around the state.

Proposed Purple Line Reignites Bus v. Rail Fight: As more cost estimates come forth on the proposed Purple Line, which would connect Montgomery and Prince George's counties, some are saying the area could be better served by a less expensive bus line. The new project, Liz Farmer at the Washington Examiner reports, is projected to open in 2020. But opponents say the $2 billion price tag is too high and planners should consider a rapid bus transit line.

Briefly Noted: Shortened Metro stop names are coming next summer.

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Kay Steiger