Local News from WAMU 88.5

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Botanic Garden Scientists Save Smuggled Plants

Across the country, federal officials patrol airports and harbors looking for plants being smuggled across our borders. Many of those plants end up at the U.S. Botanic Garden's facility in Southwest D.C.

The HIll: With Congress On Recess, All Eyes On Iowa

Members of Congress are mostly in their home districts this month for August recess, and attention turns to Iowa and other potentially important caucus states. The Hill's Alex Bolton talks with WAMU anchor Elliott Francis about these early stages of the 2012 presidential campaign.

Officials Now Say Anacostia 'Oil Spill' Not An Oil Spill

The investigation into the brown mess that spilled into the Anacostia River yesterday has now become a joint operation involving District officials and the U.S. Coast Guard. Even with that effort, however, no one is quite sure what exactly spilled into the river Monday night.

Monday, August 15, 2011

UMD Students Can Have A "Virtual Escort" Starting Next Month

Starting next month, students at the University of Maryland in College Park can have a "virtual escort" on campus to keep them safe.

McDonnell Takes Helm Of Republican Governors Association

Now that Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has been named chair of the Republican Governors Association, it could test his relationship with Maryland Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley.

Flash Mob Robbery in Germantown

Montgomery County police are investigating a robbery that took place at a 7-Eleven in Germantown, and involved more than two dozen people.

Great Dismal Swamp Wild Fire Spreads

Hundreds of firefighters continue to battle a wildfire at the Great Dismal Swamp National Refuge.

Ticket Amnesty Program Underway In D.C.

Drivers in the District have one more day to ask the city to research long overdue parking tickets through an online form.

Residents In D.C. Apartment Complex Say Security Gate Threatens Their Lives

Some residents of an apartment complex in southeast D.C. say a security fence meant to protect them is instead putting their lives at risk.

Connolly To Sponsor Bill To Compensate Recently Furloughed FAA Employees

A local congressman is pushing legislation to provide back pay to workers who were recently furloughed at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Impending Federal Budget Cuts May Have Negative Impact On D.C. Region

A local economist says impending federal budget cuts will have a negative impact on the region’s economy.

Zipcar Encourages "Low-Car Diet"

It’s 7:00 a.m. and Northeast, D.C. resident Tiffany Bridge is about to begin her daily commute to work. Altogether, the trip includes two buses and takes more than an hour. And you know what? She loves it.

Moran Supports History Of Immigration By Co-Sponsoring National Museum Of The American People

Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) wants to build a museum on the National Mall, to commemorate the immigrants who have helped make our nation what it is today.

Gov. Bob McDonnell To Succeed Perry As Head Republican Governors Association

With Texas Gov. Rick Perry now in the Republican presidential field, Virginia's Gov. Bob McDonnell takes over for Perry as head of the Republican Governors Association.

Flooding Suspends Metro Service On Blue And Orange Lines

Overnight flooding in the Potomac Yards area of Alexandria has temporarily shut down Metro service on the Blue and Orange Lines. As of early this morning, trains between Reagan National and Braddock Road are completely out of operation.

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