WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

American University President

American University's Board of Trustees plans to reform the board's structure to prevent scandals - like the one surrounding the university president's spending - from occurring again. The board will hire consultants to advise members on changes that should be enacted. But some students, faculty and former trustees question whether this board is capable of reform. The board - knowingly or unknowingly - allowed the president to, in one board member's words - live an "imperial lifestyle" for years. WAMU's Lisa Nurnberger reports.

American University holds the license for WAMU.

Hispanic Businesses

The federal government recently invited Hispanic businesses in Maryland to a workshop detailing how to apply for a federal contract. Several hundred businesses showed up. Hispanic entrepeneurs say their businesses are growing up and on the move, and that - though there are still plenty of mom and pop shops selling local goods - Hispanic businesses are also branching out into new areas, such as marketing, IT and mortgage services. A few are even beginning to compete with big chain stores. Now hundreds of Hispanic businesses in Maryland are gathering again, this time to swap tips on how to manage big projects and grow their capitol. Jorge Restrepo, President of the Hispanic Business Foundation of Maryland, spoke with WAMU reporter Sarah Hughes about the growing role these businesses are playing in the state's economy.

Commentary by Fred Fiske - Marathon Madness

Metro Connection Senior Commentator Fred Fiske, on the wisdom of running a marathon.

New Horizons Band

"Seventy is the NEW fifty..." a phrase that's been tossed around lately to describe the active lifestyle and vitality of an aging generation. Folks who have retired from the traditional work world find themselves with energy and ambition way beyond the rocking chair. DC-based Levine School of Music has a program that specifically taps into this energy. It's called A Little Day Music, and the New Horizons Band is among its newest offerings. WAMU's Gail Wein has more.

4th Annual Takoma Park Film Festival

Just what this town needs...another film fest. But how about spending an evening with four award-winning radio producers? Got kids who need something to do besides sit in FRONT of the TV screen? Send them to the Future Filmmakers of America workshop. The 4th of the Takoma Park Film Fests begins this weekend, with a slew of professional filmmakers and radio producers on hand and 40 free movie screenings to fill up your weekend with creativity. From the life span of a broiler chicken, to the trials and tribulations of skateboarders and opportunities in aging, this film fest is a mixed bag.

WAMU's Stephanie Kaye spoke with Steve Mencher, one of the organizers of the Takoma Park Film Fest, about finding space in a sea of film fest fanaticism. You can catch the Takoma Park Film Festival today through Sunday, November 20th.

Arts with Peter Fay

Checking out the arts section in the Washington Post and the City Paper sometimes makes you want to quit your job, to take full-time advantage of all the arts offerings in the Washington area. Peter Fay, Metro Connection's Arts Editor has his own best bets that he shares with us.

Commentary by Marvin Kalb - Having Not

And finally...commentator Marvin Kalb has some thoughts about all the new construction going on in our nation's capital. His concern isn't so much about the construction itself, but what it means in a city where so many people have - and so many others have not.