Breakfast links: For seniors and people with disabilities, Montgomery County buses will stay free long-term
Montgomery County keeps buses free for seniors, people with disabilities
Buses have been free during the pandemic in Montgomery County, and officials announced that even if fares resume, the county’s “Ride Free Program” will stay in effect for seniors and persons with disabilities on county bus routes and some Metrobus routes. (Sarah Dilworth / Montgomery Community Media. Tip: Chester B.)
DC Public Schools will require students and staff to wear masks
The mask mandate in DC Public Schools will continue to be in effect when campuses reopen for in-person learning in August. Other details on safety protocols for the 2021-2022 school year will be shared early next month. (Debbie Truong / DCist)
Arlington establishes civilian group to oversee police
The Arlington County Board unanimously voted to create a police community oversight board. The group will be able to subpoena police to investigate police actions but will not be able to initiate investigations. (Catherine Whelan / DCist)
Developers plan new South Baltimore entertainment district
A new entertainment district is coming to South Baltimore between M&T Bank Stadium and Horseshoe Casino. Developers say the stretch could attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. (Hallie Miller / Post)
Aurora Highlands neighbors at odds over shared use of softball fields
Tensions are rising between sports enthusiasts and open space advocates about the future use of a softball field in Virginia’s Aurora Highlands neighborhood. Both sides have reported problems with shared use and are calling for change. (Jo DeVoe / ARLnow)
Montgomery County council considers funding to help migrant families
Montgomery County Council committees voted in favor of dedicating $5.1 million to provide a range of services for migrant families seeking asylum in the county. The final vote on the funding for the program will be held on Tuesday. (Kate Ryan / WTOP)
Bullet casings indicate where gunfire plagues DC neighborhoods
An analysis of bullet casings collected by crime scene technicians shows where gun violence is concentrated in DC. Officials say more than 40% of gunfire is concentrated on just 2% of blocks. (Post)
Smaller housing supply is near a five-decade national low
About 65,000 new “entry-level” homes were completed in 2020 (Freddie Mac defines entry-level housing as any home up to 1,400 square feet). That’s significantly down from the average of 418,000 annual units in the 1970s. (Julia Carpenter / Wall Street Journal)
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