Howard University says it took a step toward joining the top tier of U.S. research universities after raising $122 million in research funding, a record for any historically Black college or university.

Why it matters: HBCUs say they have long had to do more with fewer resources. Attaining the elite status of what's known as a Research 1 university would make Howard the only HBCU on the list, helping it further attract the best researchers, professors, and students.

• The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education designates R1 schools using a methodology that measures the level of research activity at schools. Howard says it could attain the rank in the "coming years."
• It would be a homecoming for the Washington institution founded in 1867. The school had R1 status from 1987 until a shift in criteria in 2005, according to Howard vice president for research Bruce Jones.

What they’re saying: “It allows us to expand further on our mission, which is to serve all communities, with particular regard to communities of color, which are too often left out of research,” Jones tells Axios.

• Jones says the funding will fuel research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, health disparities, genomics, and more.

The big picture: Howard has undergone a resurgence in recent years. Credit agencies including Moody’s have upgraded the university's outlook from negative to stable and expanded its real estate portfolio. The university is currently rebuilding its hospital.

By the numbers: University officials expect to continue raising $100 million annually over the next decade from competitive research grants and contracts, separate from the school’s fundraising efforts.

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Three D.C. real estate firms will pay $10 million for discriminating against renters who use Section 8 vouchers, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine announced yesterday.

Why it matters: Racine says the penalty is the largest in a housing discrimination case in U.S. history, sending a strong warning to management companies that discriminate against voucher holders.

Details: The settlement comes out of a lawsuit Racine filed against DARO Management Services, DARO Realty, Infinity Real Estate, and several individuals, for making it difficult or impossible for Section 8 holders to rent in 15 buildings across wards 1, 2, and 3.

• The consequences for DARO are the steepest: The property management business will be dissolved and all defendants permanently banned from owning a real estate company in D.C.

Carissa Barry, the company’s principal broker, will forfeit her real estate license for 15 years. According to D.C.'s complaint, Barry sent an email to Infinity Real Estate's co-founder, saying, “I am doing everything I can to reduce if not eliminate the Section 8 program from our communities.”

The other side: Per the settlement, the defendants denied breaking the law, but agreed to the terms.

The big picture: Around 11,500 District households use Section 8 vouchers, including many seniors, families with children, and people with disabilities. Ninety-five percent of voucher holders are Black and 79% of households using them are headed by women, the AG’s office says.

What we’re watching: The D.C. Council is considering legislation that would codify the AG's ability to investigate and punish landlords and property managers who discriminate against voucher holders, leading to more potential civil suits. So far, only a public hearing has been held on the legislation and has not yet been scheduled for a vote.

You — especially Twitter — wanted to know why Metro’s new 8000 series trains will include heated floors, like some kind of luxury bathroom.

We asked Metro spokesperson Sherri Ly:

"Radiant floor heating provides greater comfort to customers and is more efficient than baseboard or forced-air heating systems. With radiant floor heating, there is less loss of heat as doors open because the heat is distributed evenly throughout the train for all customers."

The Zoo’s massive after-hours trick-or-treating event returns in its original form next weekend following a two-year hiatus. 

Yes, but: Tickets for Saturday, October 29, are sold out. 

• And parking passes for all three nights are gone. 

🚨 As of yesterday, there were 750 tickets left for Friday, October 28, and 800 tickets left for Sunday, October 30. 

• Make plans ASAP if you were hoping to get in on one of D.C.’s ⭐ very best ⭐ Halloween traditions. 

Details: October 28 and 30, 5:30-8:30pm, rain or shine.

• $35/person for non-members ages 2 and up; $25 for members.

Following its public dispute with the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, Metro has revised its plan to use more 7000-series trains, which the agency says would alleviate congestion and allow it to open the Silver Line extension. The plan is awaiting approval from the WMSC. (Washington Post)

An independent investigation team in Maryland will look into cases involving 100 people who died in jail or police custody when David Fowler was the state’s top medical examiner. Fowler testified in defense of Derek Chauvin, the police officer convicted of killing George Floyd. (DCist)

Children’s hospitals in the Washington region are full due to an increase in kids suffering from respiratory illnesses and staffing shortages. In some instances, children who need to be treated in the ICU are receiving care in the emergency room while they wait for beds to open up. (Washington Post)

Popular novelty shop Chocolate Moose is permanently closing after 44 years in business. They’re having a going-out-of-business sale and all products are 40% off while inventory remains. (PoPville)

💼 See who’s hiring around the city.

1. Regulatory Affairs Director, Climate and Air Issues at NRECA.
2. Senior Media Relations Manager at Center for Law and Social Policy.
3. Research Assistant at Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC).
4. Director of Prevention - Preventing Targeted Violence Programs at The McCain Institute.
5. DC Correspondent at EWTN Global Catholic Network.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

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Axios' Maxwell Millington is back with another roundup of five hot properties.

320 G St. SE - $1.03 million

Why we love it: This renovated three-level rowhouse features a garden on the front and back porches which are fenced in.

• Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
• Specs: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1,729 square feet
• Listed by: Kharye Dunlap at Redfin
• Features: Fireplace, central A/C, fenced-in porches

See four more homes.

Thank you so much to everyone who came out to Calico last night to celebrate a year of the newsletter. You're why we do this. And we loved meeting you. Happy weekending!