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November 16, 2007 - Thousands of demonstrators from around the globe descended on the Justice Department demanding accountability and action from the US Department of Justice. Grandparents, children and every age in between gathered on the to protest what they say is a lack of response by the Justice Department in dealing with a spate of recent hate crimes. Protesters marched to the Justice department, carrying signs that read, "No Justice, No Peace" and "Enough is Enough." With tears in her eyes, Tanya Wade explained why she took time out of her busy schedule to march. The Reverend Al Sharpton organized the protest last month, citing the uproar in Jena, Louisiana. Demonstrators circled the Justice Department six times, representing the Jena 6. Justice Department officials say they're committed to the enforcement of civil rights laws.
Jessica Golloher reports from Freedom Plaza...
November 16, 2007 - (Nov 16) If you have children, you probably know about Arthur the Aardvark. He's embarking on a 2-year 90-city tour and will make a stop tonight at the Music Center at Strathmore where his award-winning PBS series "Arthur" will come to life in an all-new musical production exploring real issues facing real kids.
(Nov 16-18) Fledgling opera singers take the stage during Catholic University's production of L'Elisir d'Amore, or "Elixir of Love" in northeast D.C. featuring students in the opera program at Benjamin T. Rome School of Music. Donizetti's comic opera receives the full Italian treatment in this story of unrequited love and a "miracle potion" (aka wine). Misunderstanding, desperation and the "mighty elixir" come together in comedy, music and singing.
(Dec 18) A feat of modern architecture, the courtyard of the recently renovated National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian American Art Museum opens to the public on Sunday with a free all-day festival featuring interactive art-making activities and performances.
November 16, 2007 - The Virginia chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is pressing lawmakers for local voting information and materials from the November 6th elections. The civil liberties group is seeking training materials and copies of signs used at polling places after dozens of voters complained they were asked to present a driver's license in order to vote. Virginia law allows voters who are not carrying an I.D. to sign an "affirmation of identity". ACLU Virginia Director Kent Willis says the requests are based on anecdotal evidence from across the state and from a sign he saw when voting in Fredericksburg. Willis says his group has sent 134 Freedom of Information Act requests to registrars across the state.
Patrick Madden reports...
November 16, 2007 - The federal government and faith-based groups in D.C. are trying to convince more religious organizations to give convicted criminals a second chance. Sedrick Hendrix with The Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency says more faith-based groups need to help offenders re-enter society. CSOSA Analyst Christine Keels says faith-based organizations don't help all offenders. Nearly 700,000 offenders are released back into society each year. Studies show that 67 percent of these released inmates will be re-arrested and more than 50 percent will return to prison for committing new crimes within three years.
Nicole Back reports...
November 16, 2007 - Despite the recent scandal at the District's Office of Tax and Revenue, Mayor Adrian Fenty continues to back the agency's Chief Financial Officer, Natwar Gandhi. Mayor Fenty repeated his statement that he doesn't think that Gandhi should resign over the scandal. When he was asked to give his reasons why he appeared slightly uncomfortable and gave this response. The mayor's sentiment is in stark contrast to some of the hard-line questioning during Thursday's public oversight hearing into the scandal. Many council members wondered in awe at how something could go undetected for so long. Meanwhile, in response to the scandal, Mayor Fenty says his office will unveil, next week, new policies and procedures for other district agencies that handle money.
Jessica Golloher reports...
November 16, 2007 - Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, and other lawmakers supporting slot machines, are trying to sway members of the House of Delegates, which is headed toward a vote on the issue. The legislation under consideration in the House is practically identical to what the state Senate approved last week. The measure would place a referendum on the November 2008 ballot asking voters whether the state should legalize slots. Up to 15,000 machines would be allowed in five locations -- including Laurel Park, but not in Frederick, which had been added but was later struck from the bill. 85 votes are needed in the House to put the issue on the ballot and House Speaker Michael Busch says he's not sure exactly how many votes supporters are short. On Thursday, the governor was dashing around the State House, trying desperately to convince delegates to back the referendum.
Gene Kuleta reports from the Maryland State House...
November 16, 2007 - Power Breakfast, our daily look at what's happening on Capitol Hill and at the White House...
November 16, 2007 - 31 schools public schools in the District have failed to meet Adequate Yearly Progress for five consecutive years and now the city must act. The No Child Left Behind Act calls for a tiered intervention by the District. The city's five options are: charter school conversion, outside contracting with another agency to partner with the school; school reconstitution or turnaround which involves replacing all staff; state takeover or an alternative form of restructuring. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee says one option wont work for every school and her office, in conjunction with the state superintendent and other public charter schools affected, will come up with the best plan for each school.
Jessica Golloher reports from Northwest DC...
November 16, 2007 - With Thanksgiving just around the corner, one local organization is thanking ordinary people who've done extraordinary things for their communities. Karin Walser used to work on the Hill. Now she puts Hill staffers to work for D.C. kids. Walser is one of ten people being honored with the National Caring Institute's National Caring Award. Walser founded Horton's Kids to give Anacostia kids fun field trips and tutoring at the Capitol.
April Fehling reports...
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