Metro crime statistics show the transit agency has hit a five-year high in the number of rapes, robberies and assaults.

In Maryland, the Montgomery County Council is currently reviewing elements of the 2012 operating budget. In this period of belt tightening, Fire and Rescue is working to insure its needs and mission are clearly articulated.

The date March 4 is looming large over city leaders in D.C.
That's when a potential federal government shutdown could happen.

The Maryland Senate passed the bill 25-21 Thursday. The bill now heads to the House of Delegates.

The measure, if passed by the House and signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley, was amended to include protections for religious groups and institutions to keep them from being forced to participate in gay weddings. But the bill would grant the same title and rights to same-sex couples that Maryland allows married straight couples.

If the measure becomes law, Maryland would become the sixth state to approve gay marriages. Sen. President Thomas V. Mike Miller said this month he felt the push toward more rights for gay men and women is part of a national trend.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

A former D.C. mayoral candidate and controversial hire in the Gray administration has been fired.