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Monday, March 22, 2010
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April 30, 2009 - Virginia is working with Maryland and D.C. on a regional proposal to get more federal stimulus money for education. The U.S. Department of Education plans to offer states about $5 billion in competitive grants. That's on top of federal stimulus money already slated for education. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper, Virginia's Superintendent of Instruction, Patricia Wright, says those grants will go to states that are pursuing reform most aggressively. She says while talks are still ongoing between jurisdictions, a regional proposal could include improvements in assessing adolescent literacy and the creation of more online resources for teachers among other ideas. The grants are expected to be awarded in two rounds over the next year, beginning in October.
Matt McCleskey has more...
April 30, 2009 - The World Bank says one of its employees who works in Washington has received a preliminary diagnosis of swine flu. The employee is believed to have been exposed to the illness while on business travel in Mexico from April 13th to 18th. He will undergo a second test by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm the diagnosis. The man has been treated by a doctor and has made a full recovery. The bank is contacting other employees who came in close contact with him and asking them to work from home.
Rebecca Blatt reports...
April 30, 2009 - The Washington metro area has a reputation for being insulated from economic downturns. In some ways, it is - the DC Metro area's unemployment rate is 6% compared to 8% in Philadelphia or 10% in Los Angeles. But even here there are winners and losers in this recession.
Sabri Ben-Achour has the story, as part of WAMU's ongoing series "Facing the Mortgage Crisis."
April 30, 2009 - D.C. has flunked the latest report card on air quality. The American Lung Association's "State of the Air" report gave the District an 'F' for it's high level of ozone and particle air pollution. The ALA has continually ranked D.C. as one of the worst cities to "breathe" in. The group blames the region's heavy traffic and neighboring coal-burning plants, although it says the District's air quality has actually improved over the past decade.
The ALA has three recommendations for policy makers: promote carpooling and mass transit, outfit the city's fleet with bio-diesel and hybrid vehicles, and purchase more energy-efficient appliances.
Patrick Madden reports...
April 30, 2009 - Virginia's health officials are setting up a call center to answer questions from the public about swine flu. Virginia Department of Health officials will take calls today and tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Officials then will determine if the call center needs to remain open longer. The number is 1-877-ASK-VDH3.
Meymo Lyons reports...
April 30, 2009 - Maryland's Prince George's County is home to nearly a third of the state's housing foreclosures. In an effort to combat predatory lenders and scam artists, Governor Martin O'Malley says a new round of funding will help protect the most vulnerable homeowners.
David Klatt reports...
April 30, 2009 - We continue our "Facing The Mortgage Crisis" coverage with thoughts from commentator Fred Fiske, a man who has seen a few financial meltdowns in his time.
April 30, 2009 - Officials in Virginia's Arlington County are making it easier for certain residents to buy homes. The county is increasing its purchase assistance for first-time buyers who fall in the low to moderate income level. It's the first increase since 2003, and it's hoped it will make it easier for potential buyers to get into their own home.
Now 25 percent of the purchase price will be provided up to a price limit of $362,000. Also, the program is being changed to allow homeowners to repay the loan when they sell or refinance the property. That money would then be used to make loans to other buyers.
Pat Brogan reports...
April 30, 2009 - The National Park Service says it's time for the National Mall to go green. Eilis O'Neill attended the launch of a new recycling program...
April 30, 2009 - Gwendolyn Pleasant sells flowers outside George Washington University Hospital. In her line of work, she's no stranger to sickness, but she said the swine flu makes her nervous. So Pleasant is taking precautions. She's stocking up on hand sanitizer and trying to stay away from people who seem sick.
Dr. Amir Afkhami is an assistant professor of psychiatry and global health at George Washington University. He said it's natural for people to feel anxious about the illness. But Dr. Afkhami says people should recognize that being stressed out can also make you feel sick. He adds individuals who are concerned about their health should contact their doctor. But he also suggests taking steps to reduce anxiety by cutting out caffeine, taking deep breaths and exercising.
Jessica Gould reports...
April 30, 2009 - (April 30) SPRING GALA The Kennedy Center is throwing a Spring Gala for Women in the Arts, Sunday night at 8:30. It features an impressive lineup of luminaries and performers, from the legendary Patti Labelle to wedding dress designer Vera Wang and country crooner Leanne Rimes. The event celebrates female achievements in the arts.
(May 3) MAN MAN Man Man, a Philadelphia-based band, performs at the Black Cat nightclub in Northwest DC Sunday night at 8. Singer Honus Honus leads Sergei Sogay, Pow Pow, Critter Crat and Chang Wang (Chong Wong?) in a dynamic performance of honky tonk-style piano and a rowdy chorus of horns, keyboard, marimba and xylophone.
(May 2-May 9) ON THE BALL ABOUT YOGA Yoga studios around the Washington region offer free and discounted classes in honor of D.C. Yoga Week kicking off Saturday. Local yogis have designed programs to increase awareness about the benefits of yoga and meditation, greater physical health and well-being. The event is sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Yoga Association.
April 30, 2009 - If you've gotten a pink slip in the past year, like a startling number of Americans, you're probably not celebrating. But Pink Slip Parties, like the one held at the National Harbor last night, also double as job fairs. The turnout may not have been impressive. Only 75 people registered for the pink slip party and only about 20 had shown up halfway through the night.
But the optimism from the job seekers may have made up for the small numbers. Recruiters from the Department of Treasury, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and recruiters from locally owned companies Digiflight and Carter Lambert Divisions were among those that participated.
Jonathan Wilson reports...
April 30, 2009 - Maersk Alabama Captain Richard Phillips, who was held captive by pirates off the coast of Africa, appears at a Senate hearing. A Senate committee begins digging in on a revised proposal for siting transmission lines. And the House is expected to vote today on a credit cardholder Bill of Rights.
Elizabeth Wynn Johnson reports...
April 30, 2009 - Amid rising concerns over the spread of swine flu, local animal rights advocates say it's worth reexamining how close quarters at so-called 'factory farms' may help viruses form. Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Maryland remain skeptical.
David Klatt reports...
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