WAMU 88.5 : News

Filed Under:

Washington Monument Climbers Finish Up

Play associated audio
Engineers captivated the region with the daredevil rappelling techniques they utilized to inspect the outside of the Washington Monument. Inspections ended Wednesday.
Armando Trull
Engineers captivated the region with the daredevil rappelling techniques they utilized to inspect the outside of the Washington Monument. Inspections ended Wednesday.

Engineers have wrapped up their inspection of the Washington Monument following damage from the 5.8-magnitude earthquake on Aug. 23. The National Park Service says the team that has been rappelling from the top of the monument finished its survey Wednesday morning. The engineers have been removing stone and mortar shaken loosened by the quake.

Park service officials have said the engineers will provide a report that will help determine how the monument should be repaired. The earthquake caused numerous cracks to form in the 127-year-old obelisk, but the engineers have said it remains structurally sound.

The inspection began a week ago, but weather caused some delays and complications. On Friday, one engineer was blown about 30 feet off the monument's face by a gust of wind. He was not injured.

NPR

The Art And Science Of Motivation

Graduation season is upon us and that means a slew of uplifting commencement speeches trying to motivate young adults to greatness. Science and experience tell us that everyone is motivated differently, so how do speakers, coaches and business managers inspire people?
NPR

Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame

The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.
NPR

IRS Official In Charge Of Nonprofits Declines To Testify

Lois Lerner, who heads the IRS division dealing with nonprofits seeking tax-exempt status, will not testify on Wednesday despite a congressional subpoena, her attorney says. She is accused of closely scrutinizing conservative groups that sought tax-exempt status.
NPR

Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System

Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.

Leave a Comment

Help keep the conversation civil. Please refer to our Terms of Use and Code of Conduct before posting your comments.