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Sunday, March 21, 2010
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May 06, 2009 - (May 6-8) FULL MOON HIKE Depending on the clouds, a five mile full-moon hike provides a moonlit glimpse of the gardens at the U.S. National Arboretum tonight through Friday from 8 to 10. The tours take place rain or shine - or in this case, "glow." Participants should wear good walking shoes and leave their werewolf friends at home.
(May 8-Jun 14) LEGACY OF LIGHT Karen Zacarias' new play Legacy of Light opens Friday at Arena Re-Staged in Crystal City, Virginia, running through June 14th. The D.C. playwright presents a time-bending tale of discovery, as an 18th century physicist and her faithless lover combines with the modern-day tales of a mother and housewife.
(May 7) ANGELS STANDING BY The Angel That Stands By Me brings the work of Minnie Evans to life at the Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum tomorrow morning with a video and discussion at 10:30. The late African-American folk artist began drawing at the age of 50, and tells her inspiring story. Her works portray images of God and nature as she saw them in dreams and visions. If you miss tomorrow morning's showing, the museum screens the video again on June 4th.
Karen Zacarias' new play combines the 18th century and current day.
Courtesy of: Arena Stage
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May 06, 2009 - Nearly a year ago, a 7.9-magnitude earthquake devastated southwestern China. It left more than 90,000 people dead or missing and more than 5 million people without homes. NPR's Melissa Block happened to be in China when the earthquake hit, and she did award-winning reporting on its immediate aftermath.
Melissa is back in China now, as the May 12th anniversary approaches. She spoke with WAMU host Matt McCleskey from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, about what she's seeing a year after the quake...
May 06, 2009 - Thurgood Marshall, a public charter high school in Southeast D.C., now has active solar panels on its roof.
Eilis O'Neill takes a look...
May 06, 2009 - An education task force in Maryland is recommending that school principals be paid more and given more power in choosing their assistants.
Matt Bush reports...
May 06, 2009 - According to Save the Children, 86 percent of fourth graders in the District read below level. The group faults a lack of early childhood education. Educators in D.C., say that is beginning to change, though. The District is adding 20 more pre-kindergarten programs this year, and despite budget constraints, Mayor Adrian Fenty has proposed increasing funding by $10 million.
Sabri Ben-Achour reports...
May 06, 2009 - The Senate takes its foot off the gas on credit card reform legislation, while the House considers cap-and-trade.
Elizabeth Wynn Johnson reports...
May 06, 2009 - Republican lawmakers say they will try to block the D.C. City Council’s decision to recognize same-sex marriage from other states. Once Mayor Adrian Fenty signs it, Congress has 30 legislative days to overturn the council’s ruling. Some Republicans, like Utah freshman Jason Chaffetz, are already looking for ways to stop it.
"I’ll do what I can within the settings here to make that not happen," Chaffetz says.
Opponents could try to force a vote of disapproval on the council’s same sex marriage measure. Or they could add an amendment overturning it. But Democratic Congressman Barney Frank says he doesn’t think it will be stopped in the Capitol or the White House.
"While the president does not support same sex marriage, he strongly supports the right of the District of Columbia to make its own decisions," Frank says.
Still some gay marriage supporters worry conservative Democrats will side with Republicans and defeat the bill.
Matt Laslo reports...
May 06, 2009 - Democrats in Northern Virginia are dealing with a stunning electoral setback, after losing two seats on the Alexandria City Council. Republican candidate Frank Fannon and Independent candidate Alicia Hughes defeated incumbent Democrats Tim Lovain and Justin Wilson. On the campaign trail, Fannon and Hughes were critical of excessive spending and what they called a "lack of fiscal discipline" in city government. The two new members will be sworn in this summer, when Lovain and Wilson will step down from their seats on the City Council.
Michael Pope reports...
May 06, 2009 - In Maryland, the Anne Arundel County Council will debate whether to allow a casino at Arundel Mills Mall later this month. The council voted on Monday to put off debate until May 16th. Baltimore-based Cordish Companies is proposing a 200,000-square foot entertainment complex at Arundel Mills Mall to house restaurants, a venue for live entertainment and a casino with 4750 slot machines. Any changes made to the bill will have to be completed during the May 16th meeting. Councilman Daryl Jones, whose district includes the mall, says there are more issues to address before the council takes action. But Jones tells the Capital newspaper it's unclear if the work can be completed on the night of the meeting.
Bill Redlin reports...
May 06, 2009 - D.C. councilman Marion Barry objects to how his vote against a bill recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states was characterized by WAMU 88.5 NEWS. Barry says he cast the only vote against the measure because it's his job to represent his constituents. The councilman says his decision was not based on his personal beliefs. At yesterday's council hearing, Barry told fellow lawmakers even though he's not a "pastor or a preacher," the message he's hearing from some religious leaders is clear. The bill still needs approval of Mayor Adrian Fenty and Congress.
Patrick Madden reports...
May 06, 2009 - A water main break in Adams Morgan flooded homes and closed several streets to traffic in Northwest Washington.
Sabri Ben-Achour reports...
May 06, 2009 - A new play is giving audiences a rare glimpse into D.C.'s juvenile justice system. Nearly 5,000 people will see "Choosing Change" this spring, on the Young Playwrights' Theater "Express Tour" through schools in D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
Stephanie Kaye reports...
May 06, 2009 - Republicans and Democrats in Alexandria, Va., are at odds to explain a stunning upset in Tuesday's City Council election.
David Schultz reports...
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