Feds to Reconsider DC Marijuana Law; Metro Meets Lowered Standards: Morning Links

Johnson to Resign July 31: Prince George's County Councilmember Leslie Johnson, who already pleaded guilty along with her husband Jack Johnson to widespread conspiracy charges, announced she would resign, effective at the end of this month. That apparently isn't soon enough for PG County Executive Rushern Baker, who wants her to vacate her seat immediately. WTOP's political analyst Mark Plotkin speculates, "I think her family needs the income stream."

Apex Nightclub Closes: Longtime LGBT nightclub Apex, located in Dupont Circle, has closed abruptly. Employees knew the establishment was for sale but were surprised to hear of its sudden closure after more than 28 years of operation, Will O'Bryan at Metro Weekly reports.

Feds Reconsider Enforcing DC Marijuana Law: DC's medical marijuana law is again under question as federal law enforcement agencies consider whether it should enforce federal drug law or "look the other way." Tom Howell Jr. at the Washington Times notes that more than 80 individuals and businesses have submitted letters of intent to cultivate or dispense the drug with the DC Department of Health. Many are boasting of their experience distributing in other states.

Sluggish DC Condo Sales Dip Lower: Liz Farmer at the Washington Examiner reports that 12-month condo sales rates have reached a new low, according to a new real estate market report. New condo prices in the region were down 2.4 percent, but downtown DC condo prices increased, supposedly due to a lack of competition from pre-owned units. Arlington is beating out DC sales, with pre-owned condos bought at the height of the housing boom now selling for a discount. Resale prices in the region have declined by 7.3 percent since last May.

Metro Meeting Lowered Standards: Katja Weir at the Examiner notes that Metro is meeting its on-time goals, according to a new report, but only because it lowered standards recently. Earlier this year, Metro dropped its goal from trains arriving 95 percent of the time to 90 percent. It just barely met that goal, with 90.9 percent of trains arriving on time in May.

Briefly Noted: Eataly, the upscale Italian food-and-wine market, which boasts superstar chef Mario Batali as a co-owner, is slated to open in the Washington area sometime in 2012.

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Kay Steiger