Zoo increases by two

District residents still down about panda Tai Shan’s departure from the National Zoo got some good news when two clouded leopard cubs were born on Valentine’s Day at the zoo’s campus in Virginia. Clouded leopards are vulnerable to extinction, and though the cubs won’t be on display for some time,  DCist has plenty of pictures of the newborns to check out.

Metro costs more

Before Metro fares increase 10 cents Feb. 28, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority is already considering another fare increase. This month’s two snowstorms have added to a nearly $200 million deficit in Metro’s operating budget. NBC Washington reports that riders could see a 15 percent increase in rail fares and another 10 cent fare hike during rush hour in the future.

Trouble for Marion Barry

After a report this week accused D.C. Council member from Ward 8 and former Mayor Marion Barry of benefitting from a city contract he secured for a former girlfriend, some council members said they will move to censure him, The Washington Post reported Thursday. Barry could lose his comittee chairmanship if he can’t clear up the allegations next week. More details on the alleged corruption can be found here.