Parking Rates Climbing in District | Patch PM

• Stories worth talking about tonight.

You're About to Pay a Lot More for Parking in DC

The District is just days away from a huge increase in the price of parking on the street.

The Council of the District of Columbia last year approved a new rate structure for parking meters in the city, and those rates will be going into effect on June 1, according to the D.C. Department of Transportation. That means on Wednesday next week, it will cost you $2.30 per hour to park at the 15,000 parking meters across the city. >>> Read more.

Must-Know Black Bear Safety Tips

What would you do if you saw a black bear in your yard? How would you stay safe? With an upswing in bear sightings in Prince William County, citizens are urged to learn about bears and safety, according to the Prince William County Police Department.

The best bear deterrent is to remove food sources from your yard. Common attractions include bird feeders, pet food, grills and trash containers, according to police. >>> Read more.

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This DC Restaurant Named a Best Spot in the United States for Al Fresco Dining

• Mediterranean-style restaurant Iron Gate Patio & Garden in Dupont has been recognized in a huge OpenTable.com ranking.

3 New Cases of Zika Virus Reported This Week in Virginia

• Two of the three new Zika cases this week in Virginia are people who live in the Northern Region of Virginia. Total up to 18 in Virginia.

Possible Witness Sought in Huntington Homicide: Police

• Fort Hunt Elementary teacher's aide may have been killed trying to stop car break-ins in parking lot at his apartment complex.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Virginia and D.C. network. The Patch community platform covers 31 communities across the region.