Washington Ranked Fourth in Green Jobs; Marion Barry’s Son Arrested on Drug Charges: Morning Links

Marion Barry's Son Arrested on Drug Charges: Former DC Mayor and Ward Eight Councilman Marion Barry's son was arrested in May and charged with drug possession and intent to distribute. Police allegedly found PCP and five sandwich bags of marijuana in his home. Christopher Barry was scheduled for a hearing yesterday regarding the charges and failed to appear, the Washington Post reports. An arrest warrant was issued, then quickly rescinded. His next hearing is scheduled for July 27, WJLA reports.

Washington Ranked Fourth in Green Jobs: The Brookings Institution has compiled a list of cities with the most jobs for the new "clean economy" and Washington ranks fourth on the list. According to details reported by the Washington Business Journal, green jobs in the area have increased by 5 percent each year for the last seven. Washington ranked behind New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago in green job growth.

Changes Called for in Celebrity Police Escorts: When Hollywood bad boy Charlie Sheen visited DC in April, residents got up in arms about the cost of his high-speed police escort. Though Live Nation eventually cut a $445 check to the city, the DC Inspector General investigated the issue. A report released yesterday said that there was "nothing extraordinary" about Sheen's escort, but the issue did highlight several flaws in the way the police handles celebrity security.

Area Hospitals May Be Missing Vital Drugs: A survey conducted by the American Hospital Association shows that nearly half of all hospitals nationwide are missing 21 or more prescription medications that could be critical to patient survival. WTOP says a George Washington University Hospital spokesperson admits it has a "drastic" shortage of drugs, "their biggest in 30 years." Update: A spokesperson from George Washington University Hospital clarified that no one had time to speak with WTOP about the story. WTOP's story no longer includes the quote from GWU Hospital.

Metro Plans Station Shutdowns: Katja Weir at the Washington Examiner has the details on Metro's plans to shut down stations in the next several months for repairs. Among those on the list: Ronald Reagan National Airport, Braddock Road, Crystal City, Medical Center, Grosvenor-Strathmore, White Flint, and Twinbrook. All station shutdowns will be scheduled on weekends, often before major holidays or events and shuttle service will be provided.

Briefly Noted: The Dulles rail project is in upheaval again, this time over the role of unions. . . . DC's People's Council blasts Pepco for raising its rates when its service is so poorly regarded.

Kay Steiger