Homicide Levels Decrease in 2004: While it may be hard to keep a running tab on homicide levels throughout the year, the D.C. area can breath a little easier and perhaps feel safer. In 2004, homicide levels decreased not only in the District but in most surrounding jurisdictions as well.
According to the AP, via WJLA, only 195 have been killed in the District this year. That’s a 19-percent drop over the previous year when 240 people will killed. Montgomery County has had only 19 homicides; Fairfax only eight; Arlington only one; and Alexandria only two. James F. over at why.i.hate.dc will need to do a final update for the year on his homicide counter, seen here at left.
Prince George’s County is a different story. Homicide levels have increased in 2004. So far this year, there have been 148 homicides compared to 128 the previous year.
>> Related … In the District, an 18-year-old and a 20-year-old were murdered yesterday, bringing D.C. to the previously mentioned 195 homicides for the year. With three days left in the calendar year, we can only hope that the area can remain homicide free.
Libraries to Stay Open Longer: D.C.’s budget-challenged libraries are going to see a brighter 2005. New funding will allow the District’s libraries to stay open longer on more days.
The AP, via WJLA, reports that all 17 of the city’s full-service branches will be open Monday through Friday. Neighborhood will be open at least four days a week with some later evening hours.
Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Pushing Sales Tax: Getting Virginia’s support for a transit-dedicated sales tax would be critical in the pursuit of more funding for the region’s troubled transit system. The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is now lining up support on a proposed 0.5-percent regional sales tax increase that would steer needed funding to regional transit, the W.Times reports, via the AP. Northern Virginia voters rejected a transit tax in 2002.
Briefly Noted: Mayor Williams is set to sign baseball stadium legislation today … Water main breaks in Northeast …
