Local News from WAMU 88.5

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Virginia Governor Declares State Of Emergency

UPDATE: Officials have reduced the number of storm deaths in Virginia to five, rather than eight. Four of the five deaths were in Washington County.

Healthy Schools: D.C. Tries To Teach Students Good Habits

Four out of every 10 D.C. public school students are overweight or obese. The D.C. City Council passed the Healthy Schools Act as a way to tackle the problem.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

9/11 Pentagon Stone Presented To FBI

Military officials are remembering September 11, 2001 today as they show their appreciation to some of those who responded to the attacks.

Cuccinelli To Make Announcement about Virginia Tech Fines

Virginia Tech has until Friday to appeal a fine levied by the U.S. Department of Education, which found the university violated a campus safety law on the day of the mass shootings there four years ago.

At-large Race: Vincent Orange Returns To D.C. Council

A familiar face is returning to the D.C. Council. Vincent Orange, a former Ward 5 council member, edged out eight other candidates in yesterday's special election for an at-large D.C. Council seat, according to the election counts from Tuesday night.

The D.C. elections board now has ten days to count absentee and provisional ballots and certify the results.

'Educate Loudoun' Group Aims for Influence Over School Board Elections

In Virginia, a fledgling political group is looking to turn education into a bigger priority in Loudoun County during the 2011 local elections.

Swim Instructors Tout Water Safety As Summer Nears

With dozens of drownings in Virginia each year, swim instructors say that's evidence too many children still don’t know how to swim. And with financial help available for classes, they say there’s no excuse.

Five Months Later, P.G. County Still Waits For Ethics Reform

Officials in Prince George's County are contemplating overhauling the ethics guidelines governing county employees. But the government -- including county executive Rushern Baker -- is still waiting for a comprehensive report on those guidelines from a specially appointed task force.

PEPCO's Profits Targeted in Montgomery Co. Report

Electric utility PEPCO is coming under fire again in Maryland, this time in a report prepared by Montgomery County.

Virginia Redistricting: Time Is Running Out To Keep Scheduled Primaries

State lawmakers in Virginia will continue negotiations today in an effort to agree on a redistricting map acceptable to both Democrats and Republicans. But time may be running out to hold election primaries as scheduled.

Young Adults Head To Capitol Hill To Ask: 'Where Are The Jobs?'

As Congress negotiates impending budget cuts including a possible reduction of federal grants to college students, unemployment among those under 30 is higher than the national average. A group of young adults who call themselves the "Briefcase Brigade" is heading to Capitol Hill Wednesday to urge lawmakers to support educational funding and to deliver on promises of jobs.

H. Y. Griffin: Crossing The Finish Line

H. Y. Griffin, a Washington resident who works as a community organizer through AmeriCorps, achieved a big dream with a little celebrity inspiration a lot of community support.

'Art Beat' With Sean Rameswaram

The Sweater Set, a festival of art from the fringe, and Farragut North-the play, not the Metro station.

Cuccinelli Slams DOE, Will Appeal Virginia Tech Fines

The Commonwealth's Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli, says he intends to appeal a federal fine levied against Virginia Tech for its handling of the 2007 campus shooting that left 32 dead.

Pediatrician Helps Obese Children Take 'Baby Steps'

Children's National Medical Center's I.D.E.A.L. Clinic works with the most obese children in the District. And although I.D.E.A.L. stands for "Improving Diet, Exercise and Activity for Life," one of the clinic's doctors points out that overcoming the challenges of childhood obesity can involve a lot more than just diet and exercise.

Pages