East Capitol over the Anacostia by deckerme licensed under Creative Commons.

Despite recent improvements, the Anacostia River still gets a failing grade for overall health

The Anacostia Watershed Society gave the river a failing grade, despite recent strides in cleanup and ecosystem restoration efforts. A major factor in this year’s failing grade is a sudden, steep decrease in submerged underwater vegetation, which may be thanks to weather patterns.  (Jacob Fenston / DCist)  

MTA releases three possible Red Line routes for Baltimore

On Thursday, the Maryland Transit Authority released several possible light rail and bus rapid transit routes for Baltimore’s Red Line, which mirror similar plans released in the last draft of the project prior to its cancellation. While none of the plans include heavy rail options, several include downtown tunnels, including connections to the existing subway and light rail systems. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Daniel Zawodny / The Baltimore Banner)  

Owner of two Washington Highlands housing complexes ordered to pay tenants $2M

Winn Managed Properties, which owns the Southern Hills Apartments in Southeast, has been ordered to pay more than 400 tenants $2 million in damages after DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb determined living conditions were dangerous. The complex, which was built in the 1940s, went into disrepair over the years, and tenants argued property managers neglected to address basic maintenance concerns as the property’s redevelopment drew nearer.  (Marissa J. Lang / Post)  

Herndon’s mixed-use downtown redevelopment one step closer to reality

Herndon Town Manager Bill Ashton II announced at a town meeting that building permits for redeveloping the downtown have gone to the fire marshal for final approval. If approved, the redevelopment will create a mixed-use project over five acres of land with 273 housing units, 17,000 square feet of retail — and a parking garage with more than 700 parking spaces.  (Fatimah Waseem / FFXNow)  

Former MCPS Transportation Director sentenced for role in embezzlement scandal

Todd Watkins, the former head of Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) transportation, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for misconduct related to his failure to catch Assistant Director Charles Edwald embezzling $320,000 from the department. Watkins, who did not financially benefit from Edwald’s actions, was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.  (Courtney Cohn / MoCo360)  

Major law firm trading Georgetown for The Wharf

Law firm, Kelley Drye & Warren is trading one DC waterfront for another. By 2025, they expect to join fellow law firm Williams & Connolly LLP in 670 Maine Avenue on the fifth and sixth floor. They join a trend of law firms moving to newer buildings across the District proper. (This article is behind a paywall)  (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)  

DC, Alexandria and Richmond top list of cities experiencing an increase in number in single women living alone

DC and Alexandria are one and two respectively for single women living alone nationwide, according to a recent analysis by Smart Asset. Richmond is the thrid city in the nation, along with Arlington being named as the overall top city for people living alone nationwide.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

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