Breakfast links: COVID-19 cases are skyrocketing in the region amid pandemic fatigue
Image by Elvert Barnes licensed under Creative Commons.
Coronavirus spikes across the region
DC, Maryland and Virginia together saw their largest COVID-19 case count since May 1 on Friday. Officials are warning against “pandemic fatigue” and small gatherings, saying that if cases continue rising this fast healthcare systems could become overwhelmed. (Margaret Barthel and Eliza Berkon / DCist, Dana Hedgpeth / Post)
DC’s crowded council ballot spurs calls for ranked choice voting
After choosing between 23 candidates for the At-Large race for DC Council, some voters are saying ranked choice voting could be a better way. (Martin Austermuhle / WAMU)
Read the plan to revitalize downtown McLean
Fairfax County officials are presenting a draft of a new McLean Community Business Center comprehensive plan, designed to revitalize downtown McLean by incentivizing development in the core. (Angela Woolsey / Tysons Reporter)
Outdoor heaters are hard to come by for area restaurants
Restaurants across the region are finding that outdoor heaters are no longer available as demand spikes for gear to help restaurants weather the pandemic through the winter. (Kate Ryan / WTOP)
DC Council holds public hearings on rent control bills
Proposed DC bills would make changes to the city’s rent control system, with measures including enforcing limits on some increases in rent control buildings, as well as expanding rent control for properties at least 15 years old. A public hearing will continue on November 16. (Melissa Howell / WTOP, Nena Perry-Brown / UrbanTurf)
How much did all that election week plywood cost?
All the businesses that boarded up for election week paid a price — the Downtown Business Improvement District said the cost for smaller storefronts started around $1500 and larger ones paid as much as $15,000. (Kriston Capps / City Paper)
MoCo residents stuck at home are generating more plastic waste
The amount of recycling in Montgomery County increased 17% between March and August as people stayed at home due to the pandemic, with the greatest increase seen in single use plastics. (Rose Horowitch / Bethesda Beat)
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