DC Daily: Potomac Interceptor progress, DCTAG boost, burglary arrest, and Capitol-week ripple effects

Several of the week’s biggest local stories share a common theme: the city is juggling big, practical fixes while trying to keep everyday life moving.

Potomac Interceptor repairs: debris dam nearly cleared

DC Water said crews are close to finishing removal of a rock-and-debris dam that has been blocking the damaged Potomac Interceptor sewer line. The utility reported that about 45 feet of material has been cleared since Monday, after crews expanded the excavation area to reach the blockage more directly.

Officials also said there have been no reported overflows into the Potomac River for 17 days, with the last release dated Feb. 8. Next up: pressure-washing and prep work so a geopolymer lining can be applied, with emergency repairs still targeted for mid-March.

DCTAG boost: annual award rises to $15,000

Mayor Muriel Bowser marked the 25th anniversary of the DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) with a headline change for families planning college: starting in the 2026–27 academic year, the maximum annual award for eligible public college students increases from $10,000 to $15,000, and the lifetime cap rises to $75,000.

City officials said nearly 40,000 residents have received tuition support since the program’s first awards, totaling more than $716 million. The update also includes assistance for certain private schools, including HBCUs and nonprofit institutions in the region, under a separate cap structure.

Public safety: arrest tied to nine Southeast business burglaries

Police announced an arrest in a burglary pattern targeting closed businesses in Southeast over the past four months. Investigators say the suspect forced entry, took items, and fled on foot in multiple incidents.

Authorities said a 60-year-old Southeast resident, Andrew Lee Barnes, was arrested on Feb. 23 and charged with nine counts of Burglary Two and five counts of Destruction of Property.

Capitol-week ripple: some area lawmakers skip the speech

As Washington absorbed another high-security week at the Capitol, some D.C.-area members of Congress said they would not attend President Trump’s State of the Union address, opting instead for alternative events in the District framed as counterprogramming or protest.

Sources

https://www.dcwater.com/about-dc-water/media/news/update-work-remove-rocks-and-debris-dam-blocking-damaged-potomac
https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-celebrates-25-years-dctag-and-first-ever-increase-annual-award-10000-15000
https://mpdc.dc.gov/release/mpd-makes-arrest-southeast-business-burglaries
https://wtop.com/liveblog-today-on-the-hill/2026/02/some-dc-area-lawmakers-to-skip-trumps-state-of-the-union-address/