Local News from WAMU 88.5

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Virginia Celebrates Its Parks' 75th Birthday

Attendance at parks in Virginia is setting records as a destination for millions of visitors, and Governor Bob McDonnell is proclaiming this June as a month to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Virginia's park system.

Loretta Goodwin: Daring To Dream, Amid Apartheid

Loretta Goodwin is a senior director at the American Youth Policy Forum, where she researches, organizes and conducts professional learning opportunities for policy leaders on issues related to education and youth development. She lives with her family in Arlington.

Alexandria Considers Bikeshare Pilot Program

In Virginia, Capital Bikeshare could be expanding into Alexandria, where the city manager is considering a pilot program that would expand the system already in place in Arlington and the District.

Paul Ferrara, Who Pioneered Use Of DNA, Dies

Paul Ferrara is being remembered as forward-thinking and a visionary.

Population Changes In MoCo May Affect Housing Market

Census figures show two populations on the rise in Montgomery County, Md.: the number of adult children living at home with their parents and those approaching retirement age.

Police Identify 12-Year-Old Homicide Victim In Gaithersburg

Police in Montgomery County, Md., have identified the 12-year-old girl found dead Tuesday evening in a Gaithersburg townhome.

Psychiatric Facilities Turned Away Mentally Ill, Va. OIG Reports

The Commonwealth of Virginia says approximately 200 mentally ill residents who posed a threat to themselves or others were turned away from psychiatric facilities over the past year, according to a new state report.

Federal Officials Intervene In Dulles Metrorail Clash

The Obama administration is staging an intervention of sorts for the Dulles Metrorail project to get the rail extension back on track.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Virginia Governor Signs Human Trafficking Legislation

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell visited Dulles International Airport Tuesday afternoon to sign three new pieces of legislation aimed at curbing the problem of human trafficking in the Commonwealth.

Report: Md. Not On Path To Reach Emission-Reduction Goal

In Maryland, a group of environmentalists says the state is not doing enough to curb climate change.

Sulaimon Brown To Testify Before D.C. Council Monday

Sulaimon Brown, the former D.C. mayoral candidate who's at the heart of a controversy surrounding the Mayor Vincent Gray's administration, will finally appear before the council to testify about his allegations.

'From Nowhere:' A Refugee From Ethiopia, 10 Years Later

Violent crackdowns in North Africa and the Middle East are prompting thousands to leave their homes and seek refuge in other countries. A life of uncertainty lies ahead, as it has for thousands fleeing violence in previous conflicts. One man living in our area fled a massacre of Ethiopian students in 2001, and he says his struggle continues 10 years later.

Road-Rage Charge Dismissed Against Redskins' Haynesworth

A northern Virginia judge has dismissed a road-rage assault charge against Washington Redskins defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth.

Driver In Fatal I-95 Bus Crash Charged With Reckless Driving

A bus overturned on Interstate 95 early Tuesday morning, leaving four people dead. A state police spokeswoman says the Sky Express driver is charged with reckless driving and is being held at an area jail on $3,000 bond, according to the Associated Press.

District Veterans Recall Army's Only All-Black Ranger Unit

As the nation pauses this week to honor the sacrifices of military veterans and their families, leaders in the District are also remembering D.C. residents who fought for their country and helped break down other barriers as well.

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