There's new turmoil inside Metro with the abrupt departure of the agency's top brass after safety issues involving scores of train operators.

Driving the news: Metro's general manager Paul Wiedefeld and COO Joe Leader announced their resignations last night. Interim general manager/CEO Andy Off — who had been the agency's senior VP for capital projects — is now in charge.

• After six years leading Metro, Wiedefeld said, “stepping aside a few weeks ahead of schedule is in the best interest of the agency and its workforce." He hadn't been slated to retire until June 30.

Why it matters: Riders are finally returning in greater numbers, only to be met with exasperating wait times and crowded trains due to more than half of Metro's rail cars being out of service because of the derailment investigation. Now yet another safety debacle is shaking faith in the system.

Catch up quick: On Sunday, Metro suddenly announced it was removing 72 train operators after a recent review by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission found that critical re-certifications had lapsed for nearly half of its 500 rail operators.

• The change means that Green and Yellow line trains are running every 20 minutes, instead of every 15, through the end of the month.

Zoom in: Metro leaders took the heat yesterday over the latest setback.

• “We're presented with a golden opportunity to increase transit service just as ridership is picking up again, and it's an understatement to say that WMATA has not risen to meet the moment," D.C. council member Brianne Nadeau tweeted.

What did Metro know and when did they know it? NBC4 reports that “there is no way Metro leaders didn't know as many as 500 train operators needed to complete safety courses,” citing sources.

• A union representing Metro workers, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, did not return Axios' request for comment.
• "Safety is and will continue to be our top priority," Metro's board chair Paul Smedberg said in a statement last night. "We will look to Andy [Off]’s leadership to ensure we continue on this path."

What's next: Off will steer the agency until Metro's new general manager, Randy Clarke, starts in late summer.

Just over 284 COVID-19 deaths in D.C. could've been prevented by vaccines.

Why it matters: The U.S. has passed the grim milestone of one million COVID deaths in the U.S.

• But with the wide availability of vaccines that reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, health officials say many COVID deaths could be prevented.

By the numbers: An analysis by the Brown University School of Public Health estimates that in Virginia, just over 1,066 COVID deaths were preventable, and in Maryland, the number of preventable deaths was just over 822.

The bottom line: It's not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you are still unvaccinated, find your nearest vaccination center here.

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🚚 The trucker convoy that looped around the Beltway in March, staying at Hagerstown Speedway, claims that it's returning to Hagerstown this week. (WUSA9)

⚡️ Ward 1 D.C. Council candidate Salah Czapary shakes up his campaign after revelations that the Democratic candidate's top officials were Republicans. (City Paper)

✈️ Boeing's move to Northern Virginia could further signal the area is becoming a hub for tech companies — which could bring jobs, but also potentially hike housing prices and fill roads. (Washington Post)

💐 The peonies at Seneca Creek State Park will be in full bloom starting next week until mid-June. (Washingtonian)

If you're still on the hunt for summer vacation plans, consider one of these waterfront getaways within driving distance of D.C.

Northern Neck waterfront estate with hammock dock

Sure, the house is great, but the star of the show is the oversized hammock that hangs right above the water.

• Location: Heathsville, Virginia
• Features: Free kayak, views of the Potomac and the Chesapeake Bay, crab pots, option to rent the guesthouse for $100 a night or $500 a week.
• Space: 6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
• Cost: $350+ per night
• Drive time from D.C.: 2.5 hours

Lakefront house with indoor pool

Nothing says luxury lake vacation like a giant house with an indoor pool.

• Location: Deep Creek, Maryland
• Features: Private dock, outdoor living space, fire pit, game room
• Space: 14 guests, 6 bedrooms, 4 baths
• Cost: $1,100+ per night
• Drive time from D.C.: 3 hours

See three more Airbnbs.