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>> Transportation officials are denying that three jets almost had a mid-air collision over Reagan National Airport this week, reports the Examiner. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood clarified that while the planes were closer to each other than the 3.5 lateral miles they should have been, they were not in danger of colliding, as initial news reports stated. The problem was caused by miscommunication between air traffic controllers, and an investigation has been launched.

>> Cash-strapped universities, take note. WTOP reports that the University of Virginia took in $44.4 million in donations and pledges after President Teresa Sullivan was reinstated to her post, the best haul since 2008. The increase was a stunning reverse from fundraising efforts during the two weeks that she was gone—during that time, donations fell by half relative to the same period last year.

>> Councilmember Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) wants the feds to speed up their investigation of Mayor Vince Gray, he told the Washingtonian’s Carol Ross Joynt in an extended interview. Barry also said that D.C. might be ready for a white mayor, and that he thinks that the city’s next chief executive will rise from the ranks of the D.C. Council.

Briefly Noted: Student test scores will be less weighted in performance evaluations of D.C. teachers … New dean of National Cathedral moved by outpouring of financial support for repairs … D.C. man arrested in killing of Arlington jeweler … Maryland legislators prepare for special legislative session on gambling … ACLU wants to stop financial disclosure requirements for federal workers … MoCo residents: you’ll be voting on a lot of things come November.

This Day in DCist: On this day in 2011, Metro had a pigeon poop problem and President Obama took staffers to Good Stuff Eatery. In 2010, invitations to Michelle Rhee’s wedding hit local mailboxes.