Local News from WAMU 88.5

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Terry McAuliffe Opens Up Narrow Lead In Virginia Gubernatorial Race

Democrat Terry McAuliffe is up 43-38 over Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, according to a new poll.

Residents Ordered To Vacate Site Of Possible Fort Washington Casino

Pennsylvania-based Parx Casino has submitted a bid to build a $800 million gaming facility in Ft. Washington, the sixth casino in the state.

Razing Of Abandoned Homes To Increase In Prince George's County

Forty more abandoned homes are set to be razed this year due to a bureaucratic change that makes the process easier.

Group Fighting Closure of 15 D.C. Public Schools Vows To Press On

Despite a federal ruling against its claims, Empower D.C. says it will continue to fight the planned closure of 15 D.C. public schools.

D.C. Again Takes On Upstart Competitor To Taxicabs

Much like Uber before it, the D.C. Taxicab Commission says that SideCar, a new app-based service that connects residents looking for a ride to regular drivers willing to offer one, is illegal.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Demolition Crews Have Busy Year In Prince George's County

A total of 46 abandoned homes have been razed this year in Prince George's County, with dozens more planned in an effort to buoy property values and remove eyesores.

Judge Refuses Injunction Against DCPS Closures

An injunction sought by Empower DC against the closure of 15 D.C. public schools was refused by a federal judge on Wednesday.

Former Virginia Attorney General Tony Troy Tapped For Embezzlement Case

The office of Republican Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has been recused in the embezzlement case against a former Executive Mansion chef.

Watch: Workers On Washington Monument Enjoy Best View Of D.C.

If you've never been the top of the Washington Monument, this video will give you a good idea of just how good the views are from 555 feet up.

D.C. Task Force Recommends Spending $1 Billion To Bury Power Lines

The work, which would largely be paid for by residential and commercial customers, would cut down on power outages after severe storms. 

Police Honor Fallen At U.S. Capitol Today

Thosands of police and their families will gather at the U.S. Capitol today for the 32nd National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, which honors those who died in the line of duty.

Virginia Governor's Popularity Drops, Though Not By Much

Gov. Bob McDonnell's popularity dropped to 49 percent, down from 53 percent in March and the lowest it has been in two years.

Takoma Park, Md. Lowers Voting Age To 16

With the move, Takoma Park becomes the first U.S. city to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in local contests.

Virginia Mennonite Farmers Work To Protect Chesapeake Bay

Mennonite farmers in Virginia have stopped using chicken waste on their fields, a process that leads to phosphorous-rich runoff that ends up in the Chesapeake Bay—where it can kill fish.

Alexandria Opposes Expansion Of Hazardous Materials Facility

Alexandria officials want to stop the expansion of a facility used by Norfolk Southern to transfer liquid ethanol from railcars to tanker trucks.

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