Arlington County was once home to a community of former slaves so prosperous that tours were given to foreign dignitaries as evidence of America’s racial progress. Today, just about the only physical trace of Freedman’s Village is a plaque on a highway overpass. Some of the descendants of that community remain in Arlington today, but for others, exile has been made permanent.
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson is proposing eliminating bus fares for DASH in the fall. Wilson’s proposal estimates that free DASH buses would increase ridership by 23%, but to make it happen the council has to approve a budget increase. (Vernon Miles / ALXnow)
A bill to let landlords evict tenants who pose a threat to their neighbors passed the first of two votes in the DC Council needed to become law; another proposal to allow rent increases on vacant units failed. (Post)
Maryland Rep. Anthony Brown wrote to Department of Transportation Secretary Buttigeig asking the federal government to delay and reevaluate the expansion of I-495 and I-270 in Maryland and redo the environmental study. (Bruce DePuyt / Maryland Matters)
While data centers are bringing new revenue to Prince William County, officials are debating how much to tax technology companies, and whether to allow expansion into the western end of the county where most new construction is banned. (Alex Koma / Business Journal)
Councilmember Charles Allen introduced a bill to guarantee high-speed internet to all DC households by creating an equity office that would set minimum connection speeds and help low-income households afford internet bills. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
Maryland expanded eligibility to everyone over 16 at mass vaccination centers on the same day it announced walk-up appointments in Hagerstown. Crowds flocked to Hagerstown, leaving many without a shot or waiting hours to get one. (Rebecca Tan / Post)
The DC Board of Elections is holding roundtables to decide what strategies from 2020 they should keep in future elections, including expanded mail in voting, ballot drop boxes, and super vote centers. (Martin Austermuhle / DCist)
Five Democrats vying for the party’s gubernatorial nomination this November met on stage at a socially distanced debate Tuesday. Former Gov. Terry McAuliffe is running against Lt. Gov. Jason Fairfax, State Sen. Jennifer McClellan, Del. Lee Carter, and former Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy. (Sarah Rankin / NBC Washington)
