Federal workers are expected to play a big role in deciding swing state Virginia in November's elections. But while many assume Republican rhetoric about smaller government would sway them toward the left, it's not that simple.

There's a new dirty word circulating in federal government and employee circles — "sequestration" — and it's a big word that could carry a lot of big impacts.

The D.C. area's many ties to the federal government make the local debate about federal spending particularly complicated — but residents in the region are willing to have that deeper discussion. 

We bring you a bevy of stories about the roles our neighbors play in our lives — whether it's across the back fence, in the church pew, or on the basketball court.

We hear Washingtonians' memories of a time when summer meant long road trips, ice-cold popsicles, and leisurely days spent roaming the neighborhood with friends.

We received information about this piece though WAMU's Public Insight Network. It's a way for people to share their stories with us and for us to reach out for input on upcoming stories. Visit this link for more information.

A Silver Spring woman shares her story of staying up all night caring for her elderly father.

We learned about this story though WAMU's Public Insight Network. It's a way for people to share their stories with us and for us to reach out for input on upcoming stories. Visit this link for more information.

Commentator Judy Downs Tinelli recalls a time before the highways and the rail lines and she offers a different view of the areas now defined by concrete and congestion.

Soccer is much more than a pick-up game for this international group of players in D.C.

D.C. Chief Financial Officer Natwar Gandhi makes his acting debut on Saturday, taking to the stage to depict the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, no relation, in a production called "A Tryst With Destiny."

In honor of Earth Month, WAMU listeners share what the natural world means to them, including personal experiences that have left them touched in deep ways.