The Post takes a quick look today at "older, close-in suburbs," which have apparently been falling through a policy crack nationwide, between the road hungry exurbs and the development-needy central cities. Based on a report set to be released today by the Brookings Institution, the Post story finds that Washington's OCIS are doing better than many others across the country; in particular, Arlington's strategy of developing densely near Metro has generated praise.. Striking fact from the story: half of Maryland residents live in older, first suburbs.

Virginia Tax News: Two stories on the government's take in the Commonwealth: in Alexandria and Loundon County, budget proposals for the next fiscal year have been released, and it appears that, despite some drops in property tax rates, actual tax payments may be considerably higher next year due to soaring property tax assessments. Both areas plan to focus much of the increased revenue on their school systems. Along those lines, Virginia plans to introduce an August tax holiday to help families back-to-school shop. North Carolina, Maryland, and the District all currently offer occasional sales tax holidays.

Crime Concerns In Georgetown: It's difficult to piece together exactly what's taken place based on the reports from the local news outlets, but the pattern they're identifying is clear: a Georgetown crime wave. Last week, a neighborhood student was shot, and two additional robberies this week, both of which left no one injured, have local residents and students concerned. Georgetown University issued a campus-wide safetly alert Monday night, and police are offering increased "safe ride" shuttle service.

Briefly Noted: Dog virus outbreak affecting local canines...Fundraising, canvassing, media coverage ramp up in D.C. mayoral election, still nine months away...Terps fall to Clemson...MPD seeking way to keep officers longer, protect their investment.

Picture taken by edwardaggie98.