Severance for Metro Chief Higher Than Average: When WMATA Chief Richard White stepped down/was fired last week, few seemed surprised at the news. Most were, though, surprised at the size of his severance package — a one-time payment of $238,000, an annual pension payment of $116,000, free Metro travel and health care for life, and a $58,000 annual salary for his wife. Yesterday the Post reported that White’s severance exceeds that of comparable transit systems, notably San Francisco’s, where a manager of White’s seniority would receive a one-time payment of $283,000 but only benefit from an annual pension payment of $72,000 to $81,000. The head of Philadelphia’s system, SEPTA, would receive a measly $29,000 annual pension payment a year.

Abortion to Remain Legal in Maryland: For those abortion rights activists who nervously watched the confirmation hearings of Samuel Alito, fear not — conservative majority or not, the Supreme Court’s take on abortion won’t affect Maryland. WJLA reports that a 1991 Maryland law states that the right to an abortion will remain, regardless of whether the 1973 case of Roe v. Wade stands or is overturned.

Trouble for New Hospital Ahead: D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams just can’t get a break. In heartburn-inducing news, WJLA writes that Williams’ plan for a new hospital in Southeast might require a certificate of need assessment, during which the city must analyze the need for a new hospital, a step Williams has been itching to avoid. District officials and Howard University, which will operate the hospital, have planned to use federal financing to cover some of the $400 million price-tag, which would force the certificate of need process.

Voice Contest for Metro Insults Professionals: Metro’s contest to seek a new voice for their public announcements seems to have insulted the people that know most about the practice — the voice-over professionals. WJLA today notes that many of them have opted not to participate in the contest — which has thus far received 140 submissions and ends Friday — because they would not get paid for their services. This, in the world of voice-overs, “undermines their profession.” We hear the voice-over lobby is quite powerful on the Hill, so expect Metro’s no pay policy to change, and change fast.

Briefly Noted: High winds cause power outages in area … Kaine to give first speech as governor tonight … Trees blows into Metrobus … Barry’s struggle against drugs, alcohol, and women a long one … Baltimore mayor has $4 million in bank for gubernatorial run … Metro looks to improve service for disabled riders.

Picture snapped by MatthewBradley.