Walmart is planning to open four new stores in the District by 2012. The company says it will create more than 1,000 jobs and offer discounted goods in underserved areas. But commentator Andy Shallal, chairman of Think Local First D.C. Business Alliance, says members of the small business community are opposing the move.
In Maryland, a joint House committee is hearing testimony for a bill to legalize medical marijuana. The O'Malley administration is not supporting the measure.
The FBI and local police are launching a new effort to catch the so-called "East Coast Rapist," believed responsible for attacks on 17 women since 1997.