Join The Conversation! Talk about the news of the day with public radio fans on WAMU 88.5's The Conversation.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Your Amazon.com purchases support WAMU 88.5
Your purchases from the NPR Store support WAMU 88.5
February 04, 2010 - By Rebecca Blatt
Preparations are under way across the region. In northern Virginia, 1,800 trucks will be ready to roll by Friday morning. Maryland's State Highway Administration says it has more than 200,000 tons of salt, nearly 2,200 pieces of equipment and 2,400 people available across the state.
D.C. will deploy more than 200 trucks, and federal authorities will add another 45.
Meanwhile, airports are also getting ready. Southwest Airlines is canceling flights at BWI, Philadelphia and Dulles International Airports starting tomorrow afternoon.
February 04, 2010 - WASHINGTON (AP) The Mid-Atlantic is preparing for a repeat of the December 19th storm that dumped more than 20 inches of snow on some areas. The National Weather Service has issued a warning stretching from Baltimore to northern Virginia and parts of West Virginia.
WASHINGTON (AP) Officials in the Washington region are preparing to deploy all their snow removal equipment as a major storm approaches. The District of Columbia is deploying 159 of its own trucks and 62 contract plows. Federal authorities will put out another 45 trucks in the city.
WASHINGTON (AP) Tai Shan, the young panda born in Washington four years ago, has left the National Zoo for a new home in China. Zookeepers fed him apple and pear slices by hand through bars in his shipping crate today before he left. Tai Shan munched calmly and looked out through plexiglass windows.
WASHINGTON (AP) A report by the Inspector General's office finds that the District's former juvenile justice director let two-and-a-half hours pass before police were notified that a 17-year-old inmate had escaped from a cookout at the director's home in 2008. The report found that Vincent Schiraldi's less-restrictive approach toward juvenile detention led to the escape.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
February 04, 2010 - BALTIMORE (AP) Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has been sworn in as the 49th mayor of Baltimore. Rawlings-Blake replaces Sheila Dixon, who resigned amid scandal. Rawlings-Blake, a 39-year-old Democrat, says her administration "will keep what works and fix what doesn't in city government."
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) A House of Delegates committee has rejected resolutions that recommended pay raises for Maryland lawmakers and the governor. The House Appropriations Committee voted today not to move forward with any raises.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
February 04, 2010 - RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Virginia legislators are taking a day off tomorrow because of a foul weather forecast. With the second Friday snowstorm in as many weeks forecast for Richmond, the House of Delegates is taking the rare step of cancelling all committees and its floor session.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (AP) The Coast Guard is warning mariners from Virginia to New York about an approaching storm that could produce gale-force winds. The Coast Guard says a gale-force wind warning is in effect Saturday and Sunday, with wind speeds of 35 to 65 knots expected.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Virginia's ban on radar detectors may be nearing an end. A bill advanced in the General Assembly today that would end Virginia's distinction as the last state in which detectors are illegal.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
February 04, 2010 - By Jonathan Wilson
In Virginia, Fairfax County's school board is scheduled to vote on controversial budget cuts tonight. The district is facing an estimated $176 million shortfall.
After three public hearings on the budget last week, board members agreed in principle to avoid increasing the district's average class size for the third year in a row.
The revised budget also restores some funding for assistant principal and coaching positions.
The new plan calls for the board to request a transfer of more than $77 million from the county $20 million more than first recommended by Superintendent Jack Dale.
The board will also vote on several member-proposed amendments tonight. One would save foreign language classes in elementary schools, and another would keep indoor track and freshman sports.
February 04, 2010 - At the Arlington Trade Center, the headquarters for the county's army of snow trucks, the trucks are parked and their drivers have been sent home to rest.
They'll be back here at 4 a.m. tomorrow, treating the roads with salt and magnesium in preparation for the snow storm.
Even with the pre-treatment, Arlington is warning residents it could take at least 36 hours to clear out their streets.
A county spokesperson says residents should move their cars off the street now to make it easier for the snow plows.
February 04, 2010 - By Meymo Lyons
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake has been sworn in as the 49th mayor of Baltimore. Rawlings-Blake replaces Sheila Dixon, who resigned amid scandal.
Rawlings-Blake, a 39-year-old Democrat, says her administration "will keep what works and fix what doesn't in city government." She was sworn in shortly before 12:15 p.m. at City Hall. The ceremony was delayed by a few minutes because her aunt fell ill.
Earlier today, Dixon received probation before judgment on counts of perjury and misdemeanor embezzlement. She is required to perform 500 hours of community service and contribute $45,000 to charities in the city.
The deal also allows her to keep a lifetime pension worth at least $83,000 a year.
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was sworn in as mayor today, replacing former Mayor Sheila Dixon.
Courtesy of: Baltimore City Council
February 04, 2010 - By Kavitha Cardoza
Tai Shan, the National Zoo's beloved giant panda, is en route to Chengdu, China. But in the Washington Metro area he leaves behind broken hearts.
Panda keepers with red rimmed eyes flanked the white custom made travel crate, carrying Tai Shan inside. The four-year-old was loaded with military precision into a waiting tractor trailer and taken to the airport.
"He's kind of our rock star," says Dr Erica Bauer, curator at the National Zoo.
Pandas are an endangered species and Tai Shan will be taken to a breeding program, under an agreement with the Chinese government. Bauer says this is necessary to conserve his species.
"There is no opportunity to breed him here," says Bauer. "He cant experience his life fully and get into the mating scene if he's at the National Zoo. So it's very important he meets other animals. He's gonna meet lots of girls!"
Zhu Hua, a journalist with China Central TV, says Tai Shan can anticipate the same level of adoration overseas. Hua says his American keepers laid to rest some fears that Tai Shan might face a language barrier, since he's accustomed to only hearing English.
"But they told me Tai Shan is smart. And they also help him to understand what they want to communicate by gestures," she says. "And they will show these gestures to the Chinese keepers. So there wont be any problem!"
But for many, the love he'll receive halfway across the world in his new home won't make up for his loss in D.C. As one woman put it, "there are pandas and there are pandas and then there's Tai Shan."
Tai Shan in custom-made crate getting ready for his move to
Chengdu, China.
Courtesy of: Kavitha Cardoza
February 04, 2010 - By Kate Sheehy
Communities around the country soon will have the opportunity to compete for nearly $2 million in federal grants to reduce pollution at the local level.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making the money available through its Community Action for a Renewed Environment, or CARE program. It's goal is to educate people about reducing toxic risks and improving their environments close to home.
The CARE grants will range from $75,000 to $300,000 dollars. County and local organizations, schools, non-profits, businesses, and tribes are among those who can apply.
The EPA will then work with the grant winners to identify problems specific to their area and brainstorm solutions to environmental risks.
Proposals are due by March 9th and may be mailed or turned in online.
February 04, 2010 - A recent commentary by Fred Fiske criticized talk show host Rush Limbaugh and it generated many responses. Some listeners echoed Fred's comments, but many others took Fred to task.
Commentator Brent Bozell is the founder and president of the Media Research Center...
What do you think? Let us know by joining The Conversation.
February 04, 2010 - As part of our continuing series "Conversations," reporter Michael Cottman speaks with Maya Rockeymoore, President and CEO of Global Policy Solutions, about the $1.3 trillion budget President Obama sent to Congress...
February 04, 2010 - By Jonathan Wilson
Law enforcement leaders in Northern Virginia say they're having some success fighting the spread of gangs, and much of the progress happens when police and prosecutors hand over some responsibility to community groups.
Bob Bermingham, director of Fairfax County's Juvenile Court, says its often hard to get teens, especially ones who've been in trouble with the law, to take advantage of services offered by law enforcement or county government.
He says that's why Northern Virginia's counties have turned to non-profit NVFS, or Northern Virginia Family Service, to work one-on-one with teens.
"By using non-profit organizations, we've found it to be more successful to get them engaged in the proper services or needs that they may have," Bermingham says.
NVFS administers the regions IPE program. It stands for Intervention, Prevention, and Education.
IPE workers meet with at-risk teens referred by law enforcement or the court system.
One teen, a former gang member who didn't want to give his name, has been meeting with his IPE worker, Carolina, for three months.
He says before he met Carolina, he didn't have anyone to give him advice when he got into trouble.
Carolina says his grades are already improving.
"Before he was going out every night, staying out late, sometimes not coming home till the next day," she says.
So far, the IPE program has worked with more than 300 teens and a report from the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force shows that from 2003 to 2008, many gang-related crimes were on the decline.
Bermingham says measuring gang activity is often tricky but points to one statistic he's proud of -- Fairfax County, hasn't had a gang related homicide in three years.
Northern Virginia has been having success in fighting the spread of gangs with the help of community groups.
Courtesy of: www.flickr.com/Karpov the wrecked train
February 04, 2010 - (February 5) "DRIVE-BY" AT THE AFI The AFI in Silver Spring, Maryland will have two screenings of the movie The Secret to a Happy Ending tomorrow night at 9:15 p.m. and midnight. Director Barr Weissman will be on hand to talk about his film, a documentary about the band, the Drive-By Truckers, with its roots in the American South and its message of redemption through Rock-n-Roll.
(February 5 & 6) ALCHEMY The performance is called Alchemy, and it takes place on stage at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center tomorrow and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. The dance juxtaposes moves based on the Bible's Book of Daniel with the story of journalist Daniel Pearl, who was murdered in Pakistan in 2002. There's a free discussion before Friday's show with dance critic and historian Suzanne Carbonneau at 7 p.m. to explore the choreographer's inspiration and creation.
(February 5-26) MARYLAND'S MARCELLA The art of Maryland's Marcella Morgese goes up tomorrow in the Library Gallery at the Montpelier Arts Center in Riverdale and will be on display through February 26th. You can meet the artist during a reception tomorrow night from 7 to 9 p.m. as she leads audiences past her works of steel and wood.
February 04, 2010 - By Stephanie Kaye
A new online exhibit created by the Library of Congress takes a look back at the work of the NAACP, while preserving its history for the next generation.
The website was announced at the Library's Coolidge Auditorium on Capitol Hill, amid tributes both musical and historical.
"When we read movement history, the purpose should be to learn how to move forward as a country," says Benjamin Jealous, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. "The NAACP's history being online allows us to continue a tradition of inspiring people."
One of those people is Junior "ROTC" Cadet Cindy Amaya, a senior at Bell Multicultural High School in northwest D.C.
"I think everybody should know where we've come from, the people who lived before us, what sacrifices they did in order to make huge changes," she says.
The online exhibit is part of a Library of Congress tribute to the NAACP during Black History Month. Events will conclude with a public forum on February 26th.
February 04, 2010 - Right now, the difference between eating and not eating for many in Haiti is a single piece of paper.
Earlier this week, aid groups started to hand out food coupons. The goal is to feed two million Haitians over the next two weeks. The program has helped streamline the food distribution process in Haiti, but as Patrick Madden reports, the coupons are creating some new challenges as well...
Earlier this week, aid groups started to hand out food coupons with the goal of feeding two million Haitians over the next two weeks.
Courtesy of: Patrick Madden
February 04, 2010 - By Matt Bush
Higher snows in the winter will mean higher grass in the summer in Maryland.
The State Highway Administration is more than $20 million over its budget for snow removal. With no additional money on the way from state lawmakers, the SHA will shift money from other projects to fill that gap and pay for snow removal for future storms.
Spokesman Chuck Gischlar says that means delaying the mowing of grass on land the SHA owns. Grass at intersections will be mowed, according to Gischler, because of safety concerns.
February 04, 2010 - By David Schultz
This week, the Council gave preliminary approval to a measure creating a new route for the Circulator, those red-and-gray buses that run through downtown D.C. The route would go from Dupont Circle to the Rosslyn Metro Station in Arlington.
That didn't sit well with Council Member Kwame Brown (D-At Large). He wants the Circulator to service D.C. neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River before it goes into Virginia.
John Lisle, a spokesman with the District's Department of Transportation, says that's a possibility.
"It's good to see that people are interested in the Circulator and that there is a lot of discussion about wanting to see it in new parts of the city. Obviously we have to be careful about how we expand, and weigh the costs and the benefits," says Lisle.
Lisle says the new Circulator route will replace the city-funded Georgetown Blue Bus, so it won't cost the city more money. He says that wouldn't necessarily be the case for an extension east of the Anacostia.
February 04, 2010 - By Rebecca Blatt
Baltimore will get a new mayor today. Sheila Dixon will step down from the post as part of a deal with prosecutors on perjury charges.
Baltimore's Council President, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, will take the oath of office just after noon. She steps into the job as the city faces a $127 million budget shortfall for the next fiscal year. Maryland's legislative session, which will determine funding for Baltimore, is already underway. And a new budget must be prepared for the city council next month.
Rawlings-Blake's new chief of staff, Sophie Dagenais, says while the city's finances top the priority list, her administration will also focus on public safety and education.
"We have a lot of moving pieces that we need to address all at the same time, and we have to put our minds together and come up with creative ways in which to do that," says Dagenais.
Rawlings-Blake is keeping two deputy mayors from the Dixon Administration on staff to help move that process forward.
February 04, 2010 - By Jonathan Wilson
Law enforcement groups and their non-profit partners in Northern Virginia say the success they've experienced fighting the spread of gangs could be threatened by the tough economic times.
Bob Bermingham, Director of Fairfax's Juvenile Court, says he's proud that his county hasn't had a gang-related homicide in three years.
He credits cooperation between suppression and prevention efforts -- police and non-profit, service providers working together.
He says the economy hasn't had a direct impact on gang prevention efforts, but he does worry.
"The success we're having is because of what we've committed to prevention efforts and what were doing to combat gangs," says Bermingham. "If we back off that, things will change very, very quickly."
Another worry for those working in gang prevention is school district budget trouble. If schools cut extracurricular activities, managers at local non-profits working with at-risk teens, say more students will have time to get into trouble.
February 04, 2010 - It sounds like an episode of Star Trek. Come to think of it, there is "enterprise" at stake...
It's a wonk-y concept with a Trekkie-sounding name: The Volcker Rule. As in Paul Volcker, the President's new economic recovery advisor. The Volcker Rule is about limiting the size and risk exposure of US banks. If it seems Volcker is prepared to go where no man in this administration has gone before. Republican Senator Judd Gregg cautions against comparing the former regulator to Obama's current team.
Elizabeth Wynne Johnson reports.
February 04, 2010 - By Kate Sheehy
A report finds the District's former juvenile justice director let 2.5 hours pass before calling police after a 17-year-old inmate escaped from a cookout at his home. Vincent Schiraldi's less-regimented approach to juvenile detention is being blamed for the teenager's escape in May of 2008.
A report by the city's inspector general obtained by The Washington Post found Schiraldi made several other missteps during the incident.
It concludes Schiraldi's actions gave preference to the teenagers invited to the cookout, and as a result "affected adversely the confidence of the public in the integrity of government."
Schiraldi recently left the director's post to head the New York City Department of Probation.
D.C. Attorney General Peter Nickles says Mayor Fenty's administration will review the report to make sure the city is providing the best care possible and complying with laws and regulations.
February 04, 2010 - By Meymo Lyons
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon has received probation before judgment under a plea deal that required her to step down from office.
Dixon declined to address the court this morning as she was sentenced. She has already submitted her resignation, which took effect at noon. City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was then sworn in as mayor.
Dixon was convicted of embezzling gift cards donated to the city for needy families and lying about gifts from her former boyfriend, a prominent developer.
Judge Dennis Sweeney says Dixon is receiving "a heavy penalty, a badge of dishonor that she will live with for the rest of her life." But Sweeney also says Dixon was fortunate to get the plea deal because the cases against her "were strong if not indeed overwhelming."
Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon steps down from her position after being convicted of embezzling gift cards donated to the city for needy families and lying about gifts from her former boyfriend, a prominent developer.
Courtesy of: Baltimore City Council
February 04, 2010 - In today's roundup officials agree snow must be removed but it may mean more budget cuts, there is lots of coverage of the Baltimore mayoral transition, and several links to stories on introducing casino table gaming. Also in the roundup: stories on health insurance, gun laws, Verizon and term limits.
SNOW REMOVAL: Officials across the state agree snow must be cleared at all costs. But as The Sun's Larry Carson reports the state had $26 million for snow removal and has spend $46 million before Tuesday night's snow.
TRANSPORTATION FUNDS: Budget analysts are urging legislators to transfer $60 million intended for transportation funds to general use, reports Michael Dresser with The Sun.
DIXON: Outgoing Baltimore Mayor Shelia Dixon will be sentenced today for being convicted in December of misappropriating gift cards meant for needy families. Yesterday Dixon spent a contemplative last full day in office, writes The Baltimore Sun's Julie Scharper. WBAL-TV has a report on the transition of the new mayor and of Dixon's parting speech at the city's Board of Estimates meeting.
RAWLINGS-BLAKE: City Council President Stephanie C. Rawlings-Blake will be sworn as mayor in at a small ceremony at 12:05 today. The Sun's Scharper also has a profile of the incoming mayor. Baltimore Business Journal reports Rawlings-Blake has picked Sophie Dagenais, a partner at Ballard Spahr LLP law firm, as her chief of staff. WJZ's Andrea Fujii reports on the challenges for soon-to-be mayor. Maryland Politics Watch's Adam Pagnucco blogs about Rawlings-Blake's transition team counsel.
YOUNG: Jayne Miller at WBAL-TV has a not-to-be-missed interview with prospective City Council President Jack Young, who tries to explain his home in Harford County and his state job.
HEALTH CARE: WBAL-TV's David Collins blogged about a report commissioned by the insurance industry that the private sector in the state has the resources to offer universal health care coverage as in Massachusetts.
USE OF FORCE: Plaintiffs' lawyers and gun and home owners are at odds on a bill that would allow people to use force against a home or office burglar without liability, writes Steve Lash in The Daily Record.
GAMING LAWS: Del. Frank Turner, D-Howard, introduced a bill amending the state's gaming laws to allow sites to operate table games, writes Adam Kerlin with Capital News Service. The Capital's Liam Farrell has a blog post about the issue. Washington County's state lawmakers agreed to look into possible slots legislation next session, writes Erin Julius with The (Hagerstown) Herald-Mail.
TERM LIMITS: Del. James King, R-Anne Arundel, is proposing a constitutional amendment to limit delegates, senators, the attorney general, comptroller and treasurer to two consecutive four-year terms, reports The Capital's Liam Farrell.
VERIZON SETTLEMENT: The Public Service Commission agreed to a modified settlement that would require Verizon Maryland to offer better service before being allowed to raise rates, reports Danielle Ulman with The Daily Record. Baltimore Business Journal's Scott Dance has their take on the story.
LOAN LOOPHOLE: State financial regulators want lawmakers to close a loophole that allows 700 percent interest rates on short-term loans, writes The Daily Record's Nick Sohr.
OBAMA ADMINISTRATION: Three Marylanders have been nominated to Obama administration positions. Inside Charm City posts a press release from Sen. Ben Cardin.
WIND FARMS: A recent federal court ruling has some Western Maryland wind farm critics urging state and local officials to increase regulation, reports Megan Miller with the Cumberland Times-News.
BUSCH ETC.: The Washington Post's First Click blog has its take on a number of stories found elsewhere, plus a teaser on an exclusive "offbeat interview" with House Speaker Michael Busch. John Wagner promises to post the full interview at 11 a.m.
February 04, 2010 - From Lon Anderson, spokesman for Triple AAA Mid-Atlantic:
"The jurisdictions have been quite candid about the fact that they're broke, but they will find a way to do the clearing, to do what's necessary. And of course we've had plenty of notice is that it's not been a stealthy one. It has announced it's coming."
We don't yet know how much damage it's going to do, but for motorists we can just know that it's going to make life uncomfortable for a couple of days at least."
privacy policy - terms of use - contact - sitemap - directions - rss - podcasts - jobs - community
Copyright WAMU 88.5 American University Radio | 4000 Brandywine Street NW | Washington, DC 20016-8082 | (202)885-1200
