Breakfast links: A new scorecard measures how well states are protecting renters during COVID-19
A rent strike by Michael Fleshman licensed under Creative Commons.
This scorecard measures renter protections by state
Princeton University’s Eviction Lab has created a scorecard that measures renter protections by state. Generally, renter protections are weaker in the rural areas of the South, Northern Plains, and the Mountain States. (Post)
Virginia ramping up COVID-19 testing after criticism
Virginia ranks nearly at the end of the list for states and US territories in the number of coronavirus tests given per capita. After criticism regarding the lack of testing, Virginia’s governor has appointed a task force to expand the state’s testing, especially targeting low-income areas. (Post)
GAO wants broader US vehicle safety standards
The Government Accountability Office, an independent agency that works for Congress, is pushing for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require auto manufacturers to start testing how likely drivers in vehicles are to kill a pedestrian in a crash. Right now, US automakers only have to meet crash safety standards for the people inside cars. (Kea Wilson / Streetsblog)
DC taking steps to address health care disparities in the city
In an effort to addresses the health disparities and inequity in the District, DC has reached an agreement with George Washington University Hospital to open a medical facility on the St. Elizabeths East campus in Southeast DC and entered into an MOU with Howard University. (Sara Gilgore / Washington Business Journal)
Another historic DC restaraunt is struggling during COVID-19
Another one of DC’s iconic restaurant is fighting to stay open as a result of restrictions put in place due to COVID-19. The historic Old Ebbitt Grill is hoping that it will recover after the coronavirus pandemic. With limited to to-go orders, the restaurant’s revenue has declined by 95%, and 90% of the staff is out of work. (Eliza Berkon / WMAU)
New artwork outside of Jeff Besos’s Kalorama home
A group of activists painted a mural outside of Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos DC mansion that says “Protect Amazon Workers” to protest the work conditions of Amazon employees. The activists said that they followed all social distancing guidelines in light of COVID-19. (Jenny Gathright / DCist)
A homeless shelter opens in Ward 3
The second to last homeless shelter, built to replace DC General opened on Tuesday. The Brooks, a smaller 50-unit building, designed for families, opened in Ward 3 but not without overcoming a lawsuit by Ward 3 residents. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
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