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THE NEWS:

The D.C. Council is voting on its second coronavirus relief package on Tuesday.

The package is as comprehensive as the first. But not everything residents were hoping for made it in the final draft. Namely, cash assistance for undocumented and informal workers. Amendments to the bill are not expected.

Here are the highlights: 

  • Extends the mayor’s authority to declare an emergency through mid-June. 

  • Authorizes D.C. for up to $500 million in short-term borrowing

  • Gives $25 million in grants to hospitals that need to prepare for a medical surge. 

  • Blocks any rent increases for all housing units.

  • Provides a 90-day mortgage deferment for any individual or business that can prove reduced income. 

  • Prohibits companies from trying to collect money from debtors. 

  • Waives community service requirement for high school students to graduate.

  • Aspires to reduce jail population by expanding good time credits and offering compassionate release.  

 The final vote via Zoom is expected this afternoon.—Amanda Michelle Gomez (tips? agomez@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

CITY DESK LINKS, by Amanda Michelle Gomez:

  • There is no mayoral press conference today.   

  • With 114 new positive cases, the District’s total number of reported patients with COVID-19 is 1,211. [EOM]   

  • D.C. has to cut $607 million from its current $9 billion budget. [WAMU]

  • Grocery workers are beginning to die from COVID-19. [Post] 

LOOSE LIPS LINKS, by Mitch Ryals(tips? mryals@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

  • Two men died inside Hope Village halfway house but not of COVID-19, a Bureau of Prisons spokesperson says. [WAMU]

  • The D.C. Council is meeting virtually for the first time today. [DC Council, agenda]

  • D.C. released coronavirus data broken down by race for the first time. [coronavirus.dc.gov]

YOUNG & HUNGRY LINKS, by Laura Hayes (tips? lhayes@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

  • The timing of the COVID-19 crisis is a blow to local oystermen. [WCP]

  • Restaurants are painting their storefronts with uplifting messages. [Washingtonian]

  • The Paycheck Protection Program restaurants were counting on is flawed. [Eater]

  • Part of the problem is big chains and hotels won the right to be included in small business loans. [WSJ]

ARTS LINKS, by Kayla Randall (tips? krandall@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • In the time of coronavirus, we’re taking a fresh look at District architecture—from home. [WCP]

  • Check out Arlington Public Library’s Quaranzine, a weekly online collection featuring the work of local artists. [DCist]

  • Here’s where you can stream plays by area theaters. [Post]

SPORTS LINKS, by Kelyn Soong (tips? ksoong@washingtoncitypaper.com)

  • Father of five. Husband. MBA student. And professional soccer player for D.C. United. Chris Seitz’s new routine at home is one big balancing act. [WCP]

  • Arlington’s Michael Wardian, known for his record breaking running feats, won the Quarantine Backyard Ultra Marathon by running 4.2 miles on the top of the hour for 63 straight hours. In the end, he outlasted Radek Brunner of the Czech Republic (and over 2,400 other runners) after race directors made the decision that Brunner did not start his final lap on time. For his efforts, Wardian won the “Golden Toilet Paper Roll” plaque. [Personal Peak]

  • Leonardo Shaprio remembers what made the late Bobby Mitchell so special—as an NFL player and as a person. [Post]

CITY LIGHTS, by Emma Sarappo (Love this section? Get the full newsletter here. Tips? esarappo@washingtoncitypaper.com) 

We’re bringing you the best things to watch, read, make, and do from the comfort of your home while social distancing.

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