Local News from WAMU 88.5

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

D.C. Tourism Industry Increased In 2010

Despite the lagging national economy, D.C.'s tourism industry continues to shine.

Construction Stands Still For Osprey Family

Construction on a footbridge in Anacostia Park along the Anacostia river in Southeast is temporarily on hold now that a pair of very special visitors has taken up residence there.

'Art Beat' With Sean Rameswaram

Wolfgang Amadeus comes to Round House, The Race is on at The Studio Theatre, and Film Forward is on the move.

Huck Gutman: Poetry Crosses A Chasm Of Silence

Providing lessons on life, love and springtime, poets have been among Huck Gutman's most powerful teachers.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

DCPS Argues 'Excessed' Teachers Have Not Been Laid Off

D.C. Public School leaders say approximately 750 teachers and staff will not have their present positions at the end of this academic year. Initially, the District had put that number at 660. But DCPS says teachers may be able to find other jobs in the school system.

Undocumented Immigrants Get In-State Tuition In Md.

In Maryland, Gov. Martin O'Malley signed several bills into law Tuesday, including a controversial one that grants in-state tuition at Maryland colleges to undocumented students.

Support Group For Parents With Multiples Reaches Out

The group Northern Virginia Parents of Multiples wants families in the D.C. metro area to know there are lots of resources for parents trying to juggle the exhaustion, emotional and financial stress that comes with twins, triplets and beyond.

Teachers' Union President: 'Excessing Is A Method Of Terminating Teachers'

D.C. Public Schools says the decison to tell hundreds of teachers they won't have a spot in their school during the next academic year was because of budget and enrollment issues. But the teachers' union thinks otherwise.

Maryland Sets Reliability Standards For Utility Companies

In Maryland, Gov. Martin O'Malley has signed legislation into law that establishes relability standards for utility companies that operate in the state.

Maryland's Version Of DREAM Act Signed Into Law

Gov. Martin O'Malley has signed a bill allowing illegal immigrants to pay in-state college tuition, if they meet certain conditions.

Preschool Waiting Lists: A Sign Of Hope Or Lack Of Options?

Waiting lists and safety schools are usually things we associate with applying to college. But in the District, those words are also part of the mix when you talk about preschool. The city's most popular pre-K programs can have hundreds of children on their waiting lists.

D.C. Chef José Andrés Wins Named James Beard 'Outstanding Chef'

José Andrés, the D.C. chef largely credited with bringing small plates to the U.S., has been named Outstanding Chef of the Year by the James Beard Foundation.

DC Budget Would Tax the Arts

Arts groups in the District are fighting back against a proposed six percent tax on theater and museum tickets.

Four Survive House Fire In P.G. County

Firefighters in Prince George's County battled a severe fire in Capitol Heights, Md., this morning. Four occupants of the house escaped without harm, although a dog died in the fire.

Redskins' Albert Haynesworth Pleads Not-Guilty To Sexual Assault

Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth didn't show up to court today -- he waived his right to appear -- but he's pleading not-guilty to a charge of misdemeanor sex abuse stemming from an incident in February, TBD reports.

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