Breakfast links: How the “urban heat island effect” impacts vulnerable communities in DC
Walking along Pennsylvania Avenue NW on a hot July day Image by Mike Maguire licensed under Creative Commons.
How DC residents experience heat differently
Heat island studies are showing how urban heat disproportionately impacts poor and vulnerable residents. In DC, generally, upper Northwest neighborhoods benefit from early development decisions. For example, planners laid out tree-lined thoroughfares and green spaces, which help these areas stay cooler years later. (Hola Cultura S.P.E.L. Team / City Paper)
WMATA extends its mask requirement for customers through Jan. 18
As the Delta variant of COVID-19 continues to spread, Metro announced that it will require its workers to either be vaccinated or agree to weekly COVID testing. In addition, Metro will require customers to wear masks until January 18. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
MoCo’s school district struggles with bus and driver shortages
School districts across the country are dealing with staffing and supply chain issues despite having COVID-19 relief funding. Montgomery County is finding it hard to recruit school bus drivers while also dealing with delayed school bus deliveries. (Abha Bhattarai / Post. Tip: Chester B.)
Preserving Black history in Fauquier County, Virginia
Karen Huges, founding director of the Fauquier County Afro-American Historical Association, set out with her family to map more than 140 sites of Black schools, churches, and community areas. (Margaret Barthel / DCist)
Montgomery County top health official resigns
Dr. Travis Gayles, Montgomery County’s health officer, announced his resignation effective September 12. County Executive Marc Elric thanked Dr. Gayles for his work during the pandemic and noted some of the opposition Dr. Gayles endured during his tenure as health officer. (Steve Bohnel / Bethesda Beat)
RIP Jim Russ, WBAL traffic anchor
Baltimore’s WBAL morning traffic anchor Jim Russ passed away Wednesday. He had a career in traffic broadcasting that spanned 35 years. (Rick Massimo / WTOP)
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