Breakfast links: Metro’s July 4 ridership hit a pandemic-era high
Post-fireworks Metro crowd on July 4, 2017 by Elvert Barnes licensed under Creative Commons.
Metro hit a ridership record over the weekend
On the July 4 holiday, Metro had its highest ridership total since March of 2020. More than 210,000 people rode the system, which is still fewer riders than the 400,000 it saw on July 4th 2019. (Dominique Maria Bonessi / DCist)
Maryland will have a crowded governor’s race
A year before primary elections, three Republicans and nine Democrats (all of whom are men) are vying to replace Gov. Larry Hogan, who is term-limited. Election observers say all that competition could mean an expensive primary season. (Ovetta Wiggins / Post)
Silver Line opening likely delayed again
Additional work needed on automated train control systems could mean more delays for the Silver Line’s extension to Dulles Airport, which was expected to open in February 2022. (Lori Aratani / Post)
DC will renumber two highways
The Federal Highway Authority approved DC’s plan to redesignate the 3rd Street Tunnel as I-195 and extend I-395 along the Southeast-Southwest Freeway. Officials hope the change will reduce crashes associated with weaving and sudden lane changing to navigate the current numbering system. (Dave Dildine / WTOP)
Arlington program will promote affordable condo ownership
Arlington and Alexandria are restarting an initiative to provide information and resources to condominium associations through various workshops as part of a plan to support affordable condo ownership in the region. (Jo DeVoe / ARLnow)
Montgomery County erred in restaurant grant
Montgomery County’s inspector general found that a $10,000 relief grant was mistakenly awarded to a restaurant that did not meet the criteria of being “open and operating” as of Sept. 1, 2020. The restaurant closed for repairs shortly before the pandemic and was unable to reopen until December 2020. (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat)
Loudoun could rename public infrastructure named for Confederates
Loudoun County’s board is considering how to proceed with a list of twelve roads and public facilities named after Confederate figures. In December they voted to lose Confederate names for parts of Route 50 and Route 7. (Neal Augenstein / WTOP)
No vaccinated Marylanders died of COVID-19 in June
All of the 92 Marylanders who died from COVID-19 last month were unvaccinated, according to the state’s Department of Health. Nearly 75% of Maryland’s adult population is vaccinated against the virus. (Ally Schweitzer / DCist)
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