So yesterday was pretty miserable, huh? When temperatures in the shade come just short of triple digits, you know we’ve hit the part of the D.C. summer that sends Capitol Hill and the rest of the city’s transient population scurrying off to their August vacation getaways. We wish we could say the worst is over. But…
Heat, Air Quality To Get Worse: Amidst some banal man-on-the-street meteorology (alternate headline: “Some Dislike Heat, Others Don’t”), the Post tells us that today’s forecasted high temperature will be slightly higher than yesterday’s — that’s right, it’ll be an even 100F in the shade. Poor air quality will come along with the heat: tomorrow is expected to be a code red day. Residents are encouraged to avoid using engines unnecessarily. To aid in that effort, Maryland and Virginia metrobuses won’t be charging a fare.
Mayor’s Crime Plan Proceeds: Yesterday we mentioned Mayor Williams’ plan to ask for a special session of the city council, with the aim of passing emergency legislation within two weeks. WTOP now reports that his plan is proceeding quickly: the mayor is expected to introduce his legislation tomorrow afternoon. Its provisions will reportedly include moving the curfew for juveniles up by two hours to 10 p.m., increasing the number of active surveillance cameras in the city, better notification when juvenile criminals are released, and changes to how and when bail is offered to repeat offenders. But although the legislation has come quickly, its passage may not: the Post reports that some of the measures may face opposition from council members.
Va. Gang Activity Declines: NBC4 brings good news from Virginia. Apparently the regional gang task force’s efforts over the past three years are now paying dividends, reducing the number of annual gang-related crimes to 1400, down from a peak of 1700 (which, admittedly, occurred during the task force’s first year on the job).
Briefly Noted: D.C. prisoner escapes during transport (in presumably cool-looking black jumpsuit)… Maryland has tainted beef and tainted heroin, may be getting more expensive cigarettes… House allocates $1.5 billion for Metro, provided that Va. and Md. match it… Police had murder suspects’ addresses prior to Georgetown slaying… Crime emergencies seem to actually work…
This Day In DCist: One year ago we were writing about efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland, the new stadium’s potential for delays, and D.C.’s plentiful running options.
Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user alex.DC
