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D.C.'s Fire and EMS Chief Calls for Inspector General Review of Death

December 22, 2008 - D.C.'s fire chief says he's asked the city's inspector general to investigate the case of a 39-year-old man who died after paramedics told him he probably had acid reflux.

Edward Givens of northeast Washington called 911 on Dec. 3rd. He complained of chest pain and difficulty breathing. His family says paramedics evaluated him, asked him what he had eaten and told him he probably had acid reflux. Relatives say paramedics suggested he take Pepto Bismol and did not take him to the hospital.

Givens died hours later.

Now D.C. Fire and EMS Chief Dennis Rubin tells The Washington Times that he has asked the inspector general to review a report being finalized about Givens' death.

Rubin says his department "has nothing to hide."

Rebecca Blatt reports...

Faith-Based Groups Step in to Address Needs
Sabri Ben-Achour

December 22, 2008 - Fairfax County is turning to faith-based groups to help deal with the rise in homelessness. The county's Hypothermia Program - which helps find housing for the homeless - expected a jump in demand. So they asked various houses of faith for help, including the Dar Al Hijra Mosque in Falls Church Virginia.

Sabri Ben-Achour report...

D.C. Could Benefit From Economic Stimulus Package

December 22, 2008 - The D.C. area could benefit from a new economic stimulus package being drafted by Congressional leaders. The region hopes to get millions of dollars for road and bridge repairs.

Deirdre Shesgreen reports...

"Art Beat" with Stephanie Kaye - Monday, December 22, 2008
Stephanie Kaye

December 22, 2008 - (Dec 22) CHANUKAH SEDER The Fourth Annual Chanukah Seder takes place at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue tonight at 7pm, featuring a full-length musical adaptation of the Jewish tradition with food and festivities in a family-friendly setting. You can learn more at the Jewish Study Center.

(Dec 22) WASHINGTON CHORUS The Washington Chorus sings Christmas music at The Kennedy Center Concert Hall tonight at 5. This year performance pairs crooners from Annandale High School](http://www.fcps.edu/AnnandaleHS/AHSChoral/index.htm) with DC's only Latin-American Chorus, Coral Cantigas, to capture the sounds of the season.

(Dec 23) CORDELIA: MEIN KINDT Theater J stages a play in development, Cordelia: Mein Kindt at the DC Jewish Community Center tomorrow at 7:30pm. Inspired by Shakespeare's King Lear, the show meanders between film and physical performances, as Cordelia holds forth with her father, presented as a Yiddish-speaking Holocaust survivor.

Voters Unaware of Special Election in Northern Virginia

December 22, 2008 - Voters in Northern Virginia will cast ballots in a special election next month But as David Schultz reports, some residents of Alexandria don't even know the race is underway...

Dollar Coins to be Distributed at Metro Stations

December 22, 2008 - In a partnership with the U.S. Mint, Metro's ticket vending machines will now offer change in the form of $1 coins Nearly 900 farecard machines distribute the gold-colored coin at Metro rail stations around the Washington area.

David Klatt reports...