Local News from WAMU 88.5

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Silver Spring Metro Station Evacuated After Fire On Empty Train

Red Line service will likely be disrupted this evening after reports of smoke and fire department activity on an empty Metro car at the Silver Spring Metro.

Virginia Tech President Charles Steger Retiring

The embattled president of Virginia Tech has announced Tuesday that he is retiring.

October Trial Date Set For Virginia Executive Chef Case

The embezzlement case againt a former Virginia Executive Mansion chef now has an October trial date.

AP Phone Record Seizure Could Chill Area Journalism

The Associated Press has found its phone records were collected as part of a sweeping Justice Department investigation into leaks, which could prove a problem for local journalists.

Ambulance Fees Get Go-Ahead In Montgomery County

After years of controversy and several compromises, a provision enforcing fees for ambulance rides in Montgomery County is set to go into effect.

Drivers Urged To Put Down Phones During Construction On I-95 Express Lane

More than half of drivers on I-95 admit to using their phones behind the wheel — a potentially dangerous combination with thousands of construction workers on the roads this summer.

Transit-Less Terps: Metro Closes College Park Station On Graduation Weekend

It's commencement weekend at the University of Maryland, but graduates-to-be and their families won't be getting there via Metro.

Maryland Delegate Gets 30 Days For Drunken Boating

After pleading guilty to operating a boat drunk during a collision last year that injured five people, Maryland Del. Don Dwyer has been sentenced to 30 days in jail.

Funeral Home Director Speaks Out On Boston Bomber Burial Controversy

The director of the Massachusetts funeral home where Boston bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev's  body was held, is speaking out against controversy surrounding Tsarnev's Virginia burial location.

D.C. Could Expand No-Smoking Areas To Parks, Playgrounds And Bus Stops

One D.C. legislator says that she's looking to introduce a bill that would increase the number of places where smoking would be prohibited.

Virginia Pushes For 'Outer Beltway' That Critics Say Isn't Needed

While Virginia officials say that a new north-south highway connecting I-95 to Route 7 would help ease traffic congestion, critics contend that the commonwealth's own numbers show that no significant congestion is expected without it.

New Task Force To Study Whether To Let D.C. Buildings Grow Taller

D.C. and federal officials are studying whether or not to amend the legislation that restricts the height limit of buildings in the District.

Alexandria Poised To Fight Norfolk Southern Again

Officials in Alexandria are taking a stand against expansion of a hazardous materials facility on the city's border with Fairfax County.

Monday, May 13, 2013

Prince George's County Revisiting Sunday Liquor Sales

A measure to allow the sale of hard liquor in Prince George's County was shot down in March, but a workgroup has been formed to try and reconcile the differences.

Tommy Wells To Kick Off D.C. Mayoral Campaign Saturday

In a move that should surprise few who watch D.C. politics closely, the Ward 6 council member will formerly announce his candidacy for mayor this weekend.

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