Washington Area Women's Foundation

The Daily Rundown — The Latest News Affecting Women & Girls in Our Region

World_Aids_Day_RibbonIn today’s rundown: The president prepares to reveal the first national AIDS strategy.  |  Emergency legislation could keep all District residents cool this summer — even those who are behind on their bills.  |  A new high-education reform panel is formed in Virginia to increase access to college.  |  DC’s only community college finds success less than a year after opening.

— Later this week, President Obama will reveal the first-ever national AIDS strategy.  The strategy will include plans to curb the AIDS epidemic by cutting the number of new HIV infections and increasing the number of people who get treatment.  Reporters at the New York Times have read a draft of the strategy.  Click here for details.

— Tomorrow, the D.C. Council will consider emergency legislation that would stop power and gas companies from shutting off utilities during extreme heat.  Council member Mary Cheh introduced the legislation to help residents who are behind on their utility bills.  If the legislation is passed, the emergency regulations would only be in effect for the rest of the summer.  Click here for more.

— Virginia’s new higher-education reform commission appointed by the governor will hold its first meeting today.  The Commission on Higher Education Reform, Innovation and Investment will look into ways to increase the number of degree recipients and ensure college access and affordability.

— In operation for less than a year, the only community college in the District is seeing rising enrollment as the demand for a post secondary education increases.  The Community College of the District of Columbia took over several programs from University of the District of Columbia 11 months ago.  Click here to find out about the “promising signs” the new college has shown so far.