Breakfast links: Pandemic shutdown led to record air quality for the region
Image by Virginia Department of Transportation licensed under Creative Commons.
Shutdown restrictions improved air quality
Ozone pollution levels in the region were at their lowest on record this year, with only two days of elevated pollution and no “Code Red” days, due in part to reduced car and energy consumption during the pandemic shutdown. (Margaret Kates / Washingtonian)
Metro prepares to order new railcars
Metro is in negotiations with Hitachi Rail to build at least 256 railcars under a contract worth up to $1 billion, including incentives to create a mid-Atlantic assembly plant. (Justin George / Post)
DC boosts eviction protections
Landlords in DC will be required to provide photographic proof tenants were properly served an eviction notification, thanks to new DC Council legislation. The bill also prevents evictions of tenants who owe less than $600 in rent. (Jenny Gathright / DCist)
Virginia lets utility protections expire
The moratorium preventing Virginians from having their electricity, gas or water shut off during the pandemic expired this week, but power company Dominion Energy says it will give customers until June 2021 to start making payments. (Valerie Bonk / WTOP)
A new look for Route 1 in Crystal City
Three concepts released by the National Landing Business Improvement District would redesign Route 1 in Arlington to add more space for people. Proposals include wider sidewalks and an individual transit lane for bikes and scooters. (Nena Perry-Brown / Urban Turf)
COVID-19 cases spike in DC
The District recorded 105 new cases Monday, the most since early June. The spike may reflect a surge in tests. (Matt Blitz / DCist)
Howard County officials split on divesting from ICE
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball says he will veto a council bill meant to stop ICE from housing detainees facing deportation in the county. (Horus Alas / Maryland Matters)
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