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WTOP News | Hubbard Radio
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WTOP Class of ‘90: Three radio greats depart after 32 years
Bruce Alan, Debra Feinstein and Kristi King all got hired at WTOP in the same month in 1990. Now, these three radio greats reflect on their 32 years at WTOP as they all depart the Glass Enclosed Nerve Center in the same month – December 2022. We go back in time with Bruce, Debra and Kristi talking about their careers, favorite memories, and what message they have to all the listeners who have heard them for three decades. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy No...
2022-12-28
26 min
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How Commanders’ Snyder misled NFL & congressional investigations
The House committee tasked with investigating Commanders’ owner Daniel Snyder didn’t hold back in a scathing report today — finding that Snyder withheld information, was deliberately vague, and potentially misled to the committee and to the NFL in what information he revealed about previous sexual assault investigations and settlements in the past. WTOP Congressional Correspondent Mitchell Miller gives us the upshot on the findings of the members’ 14-month investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy...
2022-12-08
24 min
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Exit Interview: Dr. Anthony Fauci
With the retreat of the pandemic, also comes the departure of Dr. Anthony Fauci. Fauci is stepping away as director of the NIH and the public arena after three intense years serving as the “nation’s doctor.” Dr. Fauci joins us to reflect on his time in the limelight and what’s ahead. Plus, we get WTOP’s entertainment editor Jason Fraley’s picks for what to see in the theater, in concert and in your living room this holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art1...
2022-12-07
24 min
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Metro’s plan for computer-driven trains
How much will it cost to ride the Metro next year? It’s really anyone's guess with CEO and GM Randy Clarke proposing fare hikes, D.C. council members pushing to make buses free in the District and WMATA hoping to bring back autonomous trains. WTOP’s Luke Lukert tells us about the changes ahead. Then we hear about his surprising talent that has saved his friends thousands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-n...
2022-12-06
16 min
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How Md. man fought DC speeding ticket for 3 years — and won
When one Maryland driver got a $100 speeding ticket from the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles in 2019, he didn’t pay the fine like hundreds of thousands of drivers do every year. He decided to fight it. He took his case all the way to the District’s highest court and won. WTOP’s Jack Moore explains how the court ruling could change how you can contest a speeding ticket in D.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt...
2022-12-02
23 min
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WTOP’s Neal Augenstein on his cancer diagnosis
It all started with a nagging cough. Months later, our Neal Augenstein has recently shared he is fighting lung cancer. We spend the episode with Neal, discussing his diagnosis, the plan for his treatment, and his choice to share the news publicly. Plus, he tells us how he’s continuing to voice stories despite his new challenges. Neal, Megan and Luke also discuss his widely undiagnosed form of cancer and why doctors across the U.S. are pushing for increased screenings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at ht...
2022-11-29
24 min
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Plane tangled in power lines — how first responders made the rescue
First responders share new details into how a single-engine plane crashed into high voltage power lines near the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Maryland — knocking out power to nearly 100,000 customers Sunday night and forcing county schools to close. Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Goldstein explains how they went about untangling the plane, securing it and rescuing the two people on board. Plus, WTOP’s Kate Ryan tells us about nearby residents’ long standing safety concerns when it comes to the oversight and noise at the regional airport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesS...
2022-11-28
21 min
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DC teachers thankful for a potential pay raise
There’s finally an agreement between teachers and the DC School system on a contract just weeks before the Washington Teachers’ Union was set to take the issue to court. WTOP’s Scott Gelman shares the details about what D.C. teachers can expect from their first contract in three years, plus why their students have to show a negative covid test to return Monday. And Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources wants your recipes. It’s efforting to create a holiday cookbook for meals that are prepared with wild-caught food, including plants. WTOP’s Kate Ryan tells us why someone who...
2022-11-23
20 min
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Why Maryland bet on mobile sports gambling
Online sports betting in Maryland will be legal and available starting Wednesday. This move marks the end of a years-long campaign to fully legalize sports gambling in the Old Line State, which just two years ago did not allow the controversial practice. WTOP Reporter John Domen has reported on the issue in Maryland ever since the Supreme Court got rid of a nationwide ban on athletic betting in 2018. Domen tells us why Maryland bet on sports gambling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...
2022-11-22
20 min
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‘Coward’ — Victim reacts to death of ‘Potomac River Rapist’ suspect
Over the weekend, Giles Warrick — the man accused of being the so-called Potomac River Rapist — was found dead in a DC jail cell. DC police say he killed himself days before he was set to stand trial for the 1998 raping and killing a young woman and talented scientist. We hear from Paul Wagner, host of WTOP’s “American Nightmare: Unknown Subject.” He’s been following this case for years. Paul tells us what we know about Warrick’s death and how the victims of the Potomac River Rapist are responding to it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
2022-11-21
21 min
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Why sh*t matters
Saturday, Nov. 19 is World Toilet Day, a day officially recognized and observed by the United Nations to raise awareness of the 3.6 billion people without access to managed sanitation. Going to the bathroom is not something people think about or want to think about, but for many people in the world, including in the D.C. area, potty planning takes up a lot of their time. WTOP’s Abigail Constantino tells us what’s being done in DC to increase public bathroom access and decrease the stigma around going to the bathroom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
2022-11-18
13 min
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‘It felt like an earthquake:’ What we know about the Md. condo explosion
A day after an explosion and fire tore through the Potomac Oaks Condominium building in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Wednesday morning, officials said 14 were injured and they still aren’t sure if anyone died in the blast. WTOP’s John Domen reports from the scene as crews search through the rubble. We also hear a heroic story of a man who saved four people from the flames. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-11-17
16 min
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Witness details UVA shooting as suspect appears in court
During the suspect’s first court appearance, prosecutors released new details on what happened during a shooting at the University of Virginia that left three students dead and two injured Sunday night. WTOP’s Luke Lukert joins us from a courthouse in Charlottesville, Virginia with the latest information on the shooting and how the UVA community is dealing with this tragedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-11-16
16 min
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Silver Lining: Metrorail finally gets riders to Dulles airport
It’s a day D.C.-area residents and more specifically Dulles International Airport travelers have been waiting on for years, if not decades. The Silver Line extension opened up to rail passengers — four years behind schedule. The six new rail stations connect the Metrorail system to Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County, Virginia. WTOP’s Nick Iannelli went to the opening ceremony and tells us how these new Metro stations will impact the region. Plus, we hear how WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer got tickets to the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...
2022-11-15
20 min
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227-year-old Md. almanack makes winter weather prediction
Since 1797, the Hagers-Town Town and Country Almanack has provided residents in our area a 16-month weather forecast. The almanack’s prognosticator and WTOP meteorologist Chad Merrill joins the show to give his prediction of how much snow we will get this winter and when to expect the white stuff. Plus, WTOP engineer David Mundschenk tells us why vinyl is making a comeback in this digital age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-11-14
24 min
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‘A magical wall:’ Vietnam Veterans Memorial marks 40 years
Forty years after the Vietnam Veterans Memorial first opened to the public, millions still flock to the spot on D.C.’s National Mall. Some are there to search for the names of their loved ones, while others leave tokens or letters. But when it was first unveiled to the public, the memorial was criticized as ugly and unpatriotic. WTOP’s Kate Ryan takes us back in time, walks us through the history of the wall and shares the stories of those who feel the magic of the memorial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...
2022-11-11
15 min
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DC sues Commanders, Dan Snyder and NFL
D.C.’s attorney general Karl Racine on Thursday announced that he has filed a consumer protection lawsuit against the Washington Commanders, owner Dan Snyder, the NFL and Commissioner Roger Goodell. WTOP’s John Domen breaks down the lawsuit, what it means and what it might reveals about the investigation into sexual harrassment and misconduct at the Commanders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-11-10
16 min
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‘Make democracy happen’ – Veterans step in amid poll worker shortage
On this Election Day eve, many jurisdictions are facing a problem — there are not enough poll workers. WTOP’s Kate Ryan spoke to veterans who are part of an organization stepping up to serve at polling places across our region that are understaffed. Then, Luke shares a story of a freak accident that doctors say isn’t uncommon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-11-07
17 min
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Cramming for the midterms: Md. governor hopefuls on economy, tolls
In our series ‘Cramming for the midterms,’ we look at Maryland’s race for governor. The Governor’s mansion in Annapolis is up for grabs this midterm election and the two candidates, Democrat Wes Moore and Republican Dan Cox, have very different visions for the Old Line State. WTOP’s Kate Ryan talked to both men about their plans for education, transportation and the economy among other issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel...
2022-11-03
25 min
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Is Dan Snyder selling the Commanders?
There’s a buzz around the Washington Commanders after the team released a statement saying owners Dan and Tanya Snyder hired Bank of America Securities to “consider potential transactions.” Forbes and Axios are reporting the team is considering a potential sale. It’s hard to say what exactly is going on behind the scenes, but we know one thing for sure, this has never happened before. WTOP’s Senior Sports Director George Wallace shares his thoughts on the potential sale from the Commanders headquarters in Ashburn, Virginia. And then we talk with fans from the newsroom about what they want from the p...
2022-11-02
17 min
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Cramming for midterms: Spanberger against Vega in Va.
One week out from the midterm elections, we’ll be looking at the candidates in the major races across the DMV, starting in Virginia’s 7th district. WTOP’s Congressional Correspondent Mitchell Miller sat down with Democratic incumbent Abigail Spanberger and tells us why Republican candidate Yesli Vega is energizing the right in the Commonwealth, making the race too close to call. Then Luke shares his theory on why Taylor Swift will skip D.C. while on tour this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19...
2022-11-01
18 min
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Why it’s scary to talk about how much we make
Pay parity — making the same amount for the same job — is a hard thing to pin down. It’s difficult to ask your co-workers what they make, which also is often based on experience and time at the company. But it’s also not easy to answer the question out of fear of how you’ll feel after learning you make more or less than your cohorts. We talk to WTOP Digital Editor Abigail Constantino who has a great report on pay transparency on WTOP.com. Plus, we give you tips on how to optimize sound quality on your phone. ...
2022-10-31
21 min
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Hogan cries foul in FBI HQ fight
The FBI needs a new headquarters. That’s something everyone can agree on, but a nearly decade-long debate over where the next HQ should be: Maryland, Virginia, or DC, is heating up after the feds changed the criteria, devaluing Maryland’s 2 proposed sites. WTOP’s John Domen explains why this process has been stalled for so long and what’s next in the fight for the FBI headquarters. Plus, another, sweet DMV Dates segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice a...
2022-10-26
21 min
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Police say killer misled investigators with 911 call after roommates' murder
We delve into the budding investigation into a quadruple murder in Prince William County. Police say the man who called 911 is the killer and WTOP’s Neal Augenstein shares the new information about what may have happened inside their shared house. And this incident is just the latest in a string of mounting domestic violence cases in our region. We talk to Montgomery County Assistant State's Attorney Debbie Feinstein about the resources available in our region for domestic violence victims and the signs you need to know to have a conversation with someone who could be in a dangerous situation. ...
2022-10-18
18 min
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Private Md. island for sale with history of bootlegging, ill repute
A home on a private island with a mysterious past that dates back to the Civil War is going up for sale for the first time in a half century. WTOP’s John Domen tells us the curiously named Tippity Wichity island was home to a brothel and whiskey distillery. Then we learn the story behind the recent sale of the Hooper Island Lighthouse whose owner now must share access to the working sparkplug lighthouse with the US Navy and Coast Guard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at...
2022-10-11
18 min
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‘Forever intertwined:’ Survivor hopes to meet Beltway Sniper 20 years later
We look back 20 years to the day when one of the Beltway Snipers shot a 13-year-old outside Benjamin Tasker Middle School in Bowie, Maryland. The boy lived. Iran Brown – now 33 – sat down with WTOP's Neal Augenstein, who covered this shooting back on October 7, 2002. We hear Brown's story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-10-07
16 min
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Venezuelan communities ‘plant a flag’ as DC supports bussed migrants
As another bus of migrants dropped more than 50 people in front of the Vice President’s residence today, we’re learning that DC is mostly welcoming immigrants from Venezuela. We hear from WTOP’s Neal Augenstein who was there when they stepped off the bus from Texas, and from the head of aid organization CARECEN who explains the challenges facing what he believes will be a thriving DC-based Venezuelan community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...
2022-10-06
19 min
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‘Snow fair! School days off for winter weather may be melting away
Are snow days a thing of the past? Anne Arundel County is rolling back what many say is a simple joy of childhood. The superintendent could decide to allow a snow day but the district is favoring staying on schedule and employing virtual learning rather than adding make-up days at the end of the school year. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein tells us, students didn’t receive the news well. And WTOP’s Kate Ryan says teachers may feel differently about the move that school boards have been mulling over for a while across the region. Learn more about...
2022-09-23
20 min
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Football fight fallout - Security changes at Montgomery Co. games
A high school football game that turned violent could change how schools in our region address security going forward. In the aftermath of the brawl, five people, including a coach, now face charges and both football teams are suspended. As Montgomery County Schools roll out an Athletic Safety Plan going into effect this Friday, we speak with WTOP’s Kate Ryan about how this happened, what we know, and why the response to this incident has been so voracious. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.co...
2022-09-21
20 min
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Praise, pushback from parents as Youngkin limits trans students’ rights
School systems across the country are navigating how to respect the rights of children who identify as transgender, while also keeping the concerns of their classmates and families in mind. In Virginia, Governor Younkin took a big step in one direction by proposing that the state’s Department of Education require kids use programs and facilities that “match the sex they were assigned at birth.” WTOP’s Scott Gelman shares what he learned after speaking with parents from Northern Virginia on both sides of the issue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Pr...
2022-09-20
23 min
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Thursday is the new Friday – how hybrid work affects traffic
As area companies ask their employees to come back to work in-person, the DMV is seeing a shift not only in work patterns but commuting patterns. Jack McDougle from the Greater Washington Board of Trade tells us how companies are reevaluating the value of working in person. And WTOP Traffic Reporter Dave Dildine tells us how a change to hybrid work this time of year is disrupting what drivers can predict for their commute. Plus Luke tells us how it went driving a manual-transmission car for the first time in France. Learn more about your ad choices...
2022-09-19
21 min
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Hyattsville’s Frances Tiafoe makes the leap
The world now knows the name Frances Tiafoe after the Hyattsville native upset tennis legend Rafael Nadal at the US Open Championship. WTOP’s Dave Johnson tells us how Tiafoe made it to the top of the tennis world. And we take a trip to where Tiafoe’s tennis career began in Prince George’s County. WTOP’s John Domen brings us to the Junior Tennis Champions Center in College Park where his former coach and friends aren’t that surprised by his win against Nadal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Priv...
2022-09-06
19 min
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Pit bull ban challenged in Prince George’s County
Pit bulls are banned in Prince George’s County, but a Beltsville woman wants to change that. Her lawyer filed a federal suit against the county rule. WTOP’s John Domen talked to the owner and her so-called ‘dog lawyer’ about the case. And did you know that Maryland has the most recorded accounts of successful escapes from slavery along the Underground Railroad? WTOP’s Kate Ryan talks to a historian who retraced the journey along the treacherous trail, starting in Montgomery County. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at...
2022-09-02
22 min
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Chief Manger on rebuilding Capitol Police after Jan. 6 ‘great exodus’
Tom Manger just finished his first year as Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police Department. He took the job in the wake of the January 6th insurrection, when questions of the security of our democracy and our city were at their height. WTOP’s Dick Uliano sat down with the chief and shares his interview. Manger talks to Dick about what his first year overseeing a federal force was like and the challenges it still faces as he works to rebuild a department that significantly thinned out following January 6th. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...
2022-09-01
27 min
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Lorde, shall we swim in the Potomac River?
When an international superstar says she went swimming in the Potomac River, D.C. takes notice. The singer Lorde recently told fans that she took a dip in the nation’s river to get a feel for the city. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein, who has been covering water issues in our area and is a musician himself, tells us why it got such a gushing reaction. We also hear from Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks who argues everyone should be able to legally swim in the Potomac. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee...
2022-08-30
17 min
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Inside the investigation after the shooting of Commanders rookie
The D.C. sports and crime worlds clashed this weekend when two teens tried to carjack Washington Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson. They shot the star player multiple times. Megan Cloherty is learning more details about what happened from her law enforcement sources and we talk about how prevalent this crime has become in the nation's capital. And this has the potential to be a huge hit for Washington’s football team. We talk with WTOP’s Sports director George Wallace about what this means for the Commander’s and their roster decision as the season is about to begin...
2022-08-29
19 min
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Waiting on a train — Purple Line construction set to restart
The Purple Line was supposed to take riders between Montgomery and Prince George’s counties this year, but the light-rail project is four years behind schedule because of labor disputes and rising costs. This week, the construction union and contractor signed a new bargaining agreement that will kick-start the idling project. WTOP’s Luke Lukert tells us where the Purple Line stands. We also speak with realtor Ron Sitrin about how the long-delayed project is impacting nearby real estate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com...
2022-08-24
21 min
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Staff on strike over wages at American U. as students move in
College students caravanned to American University this morning with backpacks and boxes – all in anticipation of their upcoming classes. Huge banners line welcomed the students, but just beneath the waving flags, hundreds of university workers protested for better wages. More than 500 clerical, technical, and academic staff members went on strike today after wage negotiations stalled out last week following months of contract meetings. WTOP’s Luke Lukert talked with two university employees who stood along the picket line and we learn why the university says its best and final offer wasn't far off the union's demands. Learn more...
2022-08-22
17 min
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Why your favorite restaurant is slowly going under
Restaurants are struggling to survive as two and a half years after the pandemic, covid is still keeping some customers who are working from home from spending a few bucks on coffee or lunch. You also may have noticed you're waiting longer to get your food, or even get a drink, when you go into your favorite spot. The staffing shortage coupled with the rising cost of food is hitting local restaurants hard. We speak with two local restaurant owners who just won WTOP's Top Ten contest about the challenges they are facing in an industry in the midst of...
2022-08-16
17 min
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Election audit finds 102 uncounted ballots in Montgomery Co. primary race
The race for Montgomery County Executive was supposed to be certified Friday, but during an audit election officials found more than a hundred provisional ballots in need of counting. We talk to WTOP’s Kate Ryan about whether these ballots could change who is elected. And the number of migrants bused from the southern border to Union Station has now topped 6,000. WTOP’s Nick Iannelli says the resources available for these people are running low. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priv...
2022-08-12
22 min
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‘I hope it’s over’: Residents recover after floods kept coming
Two massive storm systems washed through the D.C. region causing significant flooding. Flash flooding overtook cars, stranded drivers and poured into low-lying buildings. WTOP’s John Domen went to Riverdale, Maryland and talked to a business owner about the flood. And the mantra “Turn Around Don’t Drown” is good as gold, but WTOP’s Dave Dildine gives additional flood safety advice as it’s sometimes impossible to turn around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...
2022-08-11
19 min
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The Smithsonian’s unlikely birth — 176 years later
It’s the Smithsonian Institution’s birthday. The museum juggernaut is now 176 years old, but it very nearly never existed at all. WTOP’s Rick Massimo brings us this little known story of twists and turns of fate that ultimately brought us the Smithsonian as we know it today. And a local baseball team made it to the Junior League Baseball World Series. WTOP’s Mike Murillo tells the story of a Loudoun County team that lost its chance at a championship during the pandemic and is looking to win it all this year. Learn more about your ad...
2022-08-10
17 min
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Va. students fall behind on reading as classes return
More fourth and fifth grade students in Arlington County, Virginia needed literacy help at the end of the last school year than at the beginning, according to data from the Virginia school system. We talk to WTOP’s Scott Gelman. He helps us make sense of these concerning numbers and the stories behind them. And WTOP's Kristi King tells us the story of beagles rescued from a 'torturous' facility in Virginia. The 10 dogs will soon be up for adoption in Fairfax County. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at...
2022-08-09
15 min
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Teens urge Va. to drop ‘sexually explicit’ label from LGBTQ+ lessons
Hundreds of students across Virginia are taking a stance, and urging the state’s Department of Education to change guidelines that define any references to LGBTQ+ people in the classroom as ‘sexually explicit content.’ Their request questions the basis of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s bill that would require parents be alerted when school materials contain sexually explicit content. WTOP’s Scott Gelman joins us to share the voices and background on the issue that represents the latest chapter in the Commonwealth’s debate over how social issues should be addressed in the classroom. Learn more about your ad choices...
2022-08-04
20 min
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‘The curse of the Childish Bambino’: Nats trade slugger Juan Soto
Nationals fans are reeling today at word superstar Juan Soto is officially traded to the San Diego Padres along with first baseman Josh Bell. In return, the Nats get a bevy of prospects on their roster, but as WTOP’s Dave Preston tells us, no matter the details of the deal, this move won’t long be forgotten. WTOP’s Shawn Anderson weighs in on the tremendous gut punch fans are experiencing in losing the team’s best player, perhaps of all time. Then, we speak to Mr. Brick of Instagram fame about his talent for recreating famous movie scenes entirely...
2022-08-02
21 min
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Faux federal agent flips & shares Navy Yard apartment scheme
One of two men who is accused of impersonating a federal officer and allegedly not only offered US Secret Service agents free rent but iPhones, surveillance systems, a TV, and guns is changing his plea to guilty and sharing the details of their scheme with federal investigators. WTOP’s John Domen listened in on the court hearing and shares some of what investigators learned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-08-01
11 min
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Elrich v. Blair: Why the race for Montgomery Co executive is still so close
Election workers are accepting the last batch of mail-in ballots for a tight Democratic primary race for Montgomery County executive today. WTOP’s Kate Ryan tells us why this run-off between incumbent Marc Elrich and businessman David Blair – despite its length – is just part of a step-by-step ballot counting process. And while some ballots are still coming in, the candidates running for Maryland governor are set. Despite democrats outnumbering republicans in Maryland, Kate Ryan says the race between democrat Wes Moore and republican Dan Cox is not a foregone conclusion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
2022-07-29
20 min
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Viral TikTok about harassment prompts Metro safety concerns
Metro’s new General Manager Randy Clarke is starting his role officially by addressing the fallout from a viral TikTok video where rider says she was sexually harrassed by a man on a station and no one came to help. Questions remain over what exactly happened on the Metro platform, but all eyes are on the question of how to ride Metro safely. WTOP’s John Domen asked Clarke about this issue and we also talk about what you can do if you're in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation on Metro. Then WTOP’s John Aaron shares some of Clarke’s servic...
2022-07-28
21 min
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DC stands firm on 'no shots, no school'
Kids go back to school in about six weeks depending on their school district, and education leaders in DC say now is the time to get students vaccinated. WTOP’s Kristi King tells us about the aggressive ‘no shots, no school’ policy in the District and how it’s accommodating parents to ensure in-person instruction can go on without any quarantine interruption this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-07-27
16 min
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‘This is anybody’s game’: Md. governor primary race is a toss-up
Maryland’s primary election is upon us and the race for the governor's mansion is neck and neck for both Democratic and Republican candidates vying to make it to the general election. WTOP’s Kate Ryan has covered the campaign for months. She tells us who the contenders are and where the governor's race stands. And in Howard County, a teenager made it on the ballot before being able to buy a cigarette or a lottery ticket. WTOP Digital Reporter Ivy Lyons talks about 17-year-old Dhruvak Mirani’s story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...
2022-07-18
22 min
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Droves of area teachers reach their breaking point, resigning mid-career
Your child’s favorite teacher may not be there when she returns from summer break. Our area is hemorrhaging educators as hundreds have turned in their notice saying they won’t be teaching in the fall and many are in the middle of their careers. Data from the National Education Association shows that 55 percent of educators across the country are considering leaving the field and jurisdictions nearby are reporting an uptick in resignations. We talk with WTOP’s Scott Gelman about his extensive reporting on educator resignations as some schools in our area approach a staffing breaking point. Plus, a return...
2022-07-14
20 min
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DC abortion-rights opponent with fetuses in fridge sent to jail
A DC woman spent her first of 30 nights in jail in Alexandria, Va., after she was convicted with another activist for trespassing inside an abortion clinic. She is the same woman who DC Police say had five fetuses inside her apartment near Capitol Hill when they raided it in March 2022. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein provides an update on the cases against Lauren Handy and what's next after her federal indictment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.co...
2022-07-13
12 min
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Montgomery Co. seeks to limit where gun owners can carry
Montgomery County leaders are seeking to limit where gun owners can take their firearms, even though Governor Hogan just made it easier to carry a concealed gun in Maryland following a Supreme Court ruling. WTOP’s Kate Ryan walks us through the new legislation introduced today. And have you seen those awe-inspiring images of the cosmos taken by the James Webb Space Telescope? We talk about how Maryland scientists made it possible and what the photos show with WTOP space reporter Greg Redfern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Po...
2022-07-12
24 min
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‘This can’t be real’: Fans shocked legend Wayne Rooney to coach DC United
Soccer legend Wayne Rooney is back at Audi Field, this time to coach D.C. United. The all-star player is the new manager of the District’s Major League Soccer team. WTOP Senior Sports Director, and the voice of D.C. United, Dave Johnson tells us Rooney’s return is a welcome surprise. He explains why. And then we turn to the stands and speak with WTOP’s José Umaña – who hosts the Bad Hombres FC podcast – about how the fanbase is reacting to their new superstar manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...
2022-07-11
22 min
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Commanders’ Snyder ready to testify after Congress flexes subpoena muscle
It is a busy day on Capitol Hill and the Commanders are back in the news as owner Dan Snyder has offered to testify to a committee investigating sexual misconduct and workplace allegations within the team. WTOP’s Mitchell Miller tells us this comes after Snyder all but ignored a subpoena. And have you changed jobs lately? The latest jobs report finds America added more jobs than expected this month. WTOP’s Melissa Howell joins us to share an expert’s take on the state of the Great Resignation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...
2022-07-08
18 min
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Gov. Hogan makes it easier to carry a concealed gun
There is a new directive in Maryland when it comes to carrying a gun. Governor Larry Hogan issued a directive for the Maryland State Police to essentially ignore a law on the books that restricts ‘concealed carry’ in the state. We talk to Dr. Cassandra Crifasi, the Deputy Director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Prevention and Policy, about what this means for Maryland. And, 14 climate protesters set back hundreds of holiday drivers when they shut down the inner loop of the beltway for more than an hour on Monday. WTOP Traffic Reporter Dave Dildine tells us what happ...
2022-07-05
19 min
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DC, Va. gun owners sue for right to carry concealed handguns on Metro
Four local gun-rights advocates filed a suit against D.C. saying Metro’s ban on concealed handguns on public transportation is unlawful. That lawsuit comes a week after the U.S. the Supreme Court upheld the right to carry a gun outside of the home. WTOP’s Valerie Bonk , who has a law degree, breaks down the suit and tells us what’s at stake. And we are learning more about a horrific murder of a father and non-profit CEO in Northern Virginia. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein has the charging documents and tells us about the nature of the killing.
2022-07-01
15 min
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Outgoing Fairfax schools leader admits virtual learning ‘mistakes’
We spend the whole episode with Fairfax County Public School Superintendent Scott Brabrand who leaves his post today after 5 tumultuous years leading Virginia’s largest school system. During our wide-ranging and exclusive interview, he shares his regrets from early in the pandemic, his defense of the new admission policy at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, and his thoughts on how to make schools safer. WTOP Digital Editor Scott Gelman, who covers education, joins the conversation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...
2022-06-30
26 min
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Abortion, gas & inflation: What do Maryland voters care about?
We’re looking ahead to the race to become Maryland’s next governor. WTOP’s Kate Ryan joins us to share what issues a poll found voters care about - and how it’ll be hard to predict who might win given the timing of the primary and the fact that a majority of voters said they could change their minds. Then, we talk with Hirshhorn Museum Curator Evelyn Hankins about the life and legacy of Sam Gilliam, an acclaimed abstract artist whose groundbreaking work drew the artworld’s attention to Washington, D.C. Learn more about your ad ch...
2022-06-29
23 min
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Post-Roe in Va., Md. & DC. Plus, the arguments for and against SCOTUS decision
The Supreme Court overturned almost 50 years of precedent Friday morning when it delivered its decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The Supreme Court voted to knock down the legal protections for abortion guaranteed by the court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. In this episode, we talk whether the right to an abortion is at risk in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. with WTOP's Neal Augenstein and Kate Ryan, respectively. We then to to the ramifications of the decision nationwide and locally with constitutional experts Lia Epperson of American University’s Washington College of Law and Mark Rienzi of The...
2022-06-24
23 min
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Md. concealed carry law vulnerable after Supreme Court gun ruling & Katie Ledecky keeps swimming and winning
The Supreme Court handed down a major expansion to gun rights this morning as the Senate moved to pass the first bi-partisan gun restrictions in decades. We talk to WTOP’s Kate Ryan about how the high court’s ruling could affect Maryland’s gun laws and to Professor Daniel Webster from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health about what the decision means for safety in our communities. We also hear from USA Today Sports Columnist Christine Brennan about the 50th anniversary of Title IX and Bethesda-native Katie Ledecky's consistent gold-medal performance at the World Swimming Championship. L...
2022-06-23
22 min
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Congress slaps Commanders’ Snyder with subpoena & Who won DC, Va. primaries
The Commanders Football Team is the topic of discussion on Capitol Hill as the House Oversight Committee delves into allegations of sexual harassment, a toxic workplace, and financial impropriety inside the team. Learning of owner Dan Snyder’s absence, the committee chair said she’ll issue a subpoena for him to testify in a future hearing. WTOP’s Congressional Correspondent Mitchell Miller tells us what details NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shared under oath. And we now know who won their primaries in D.C. and Virginia, WTOP reporters Luke Lukert and Nick Iannelli tell us what the outcome of the races...
2022-06-22
22 min
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Parents’ guide to COVID vaccines for kids under 5 & A new clinic to help all runners improve
It’s a big day for parents who’ve waited for their children under 5-years-old to get vaccinated. We hear from parents who were first in line at a District clinic and talk with an infectious disease expert about the differences between the two vaccines that are FDA-approved for young kids. Plus, a new University of Maryland clinic is launching with the goal to help all runners improve. WTOP’s Kristi King tells us what you can expect and how much it will cost for an assessment of your running style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
2022-06-21
22 min
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How an intern’s calls stymied Watergate break-in & DC mayoral primary may be ‘nail-biter’
We look back at the lesser-known stories from the Watergate scandal - which is marking 50 years today. Rick Massimo shares some of the stories from his week-long series on Watergate which ultimately led to the first resignation of a sitting U.S. President. And where are the voters? That’s the question D.C. election officials are asking. We discuss what the low early voting count means for the D.C. Mayor race and how the candidates feel about major issues with WTOP’s Will Vitka. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSe...
2022-06-17
26 min
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Confronting DC food deserts and hunger. Plus, the DMV’s bid for 2026 World Cup
The District said it's taking the legal step of using eminent domain to bring a Giant Food to a part of Ward 7, which is essentially a food desert. We talk to Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, John Falcicchio, about this store and the city’s broader plans to increase food access. We also speak with Director of DC Hunger Solutions, Beverley Wheeler, about the on-the-ground reality of hunger in the nation’s capital. And will D.C. and Baltimore host the World Cup in 2026? WTOP Senior Sports Director Dave Johnson says he’s confident in chances and explains why. ...
2022-06-16
26 min
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911 call from man threatening Justice Kavanaugh & Va. neighbors debate over renaming Confederate streets
We are learning new details about exactly what happened when an armed California man walked up to Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s house with the intent to kill him. We share portions of Nicholas Roske’s 911 call and talk about why he ultimately turned himself in and how Congress took action to increase security for the justices and their family members. Plus, in Fairfax County, there’s a debate raging over whether to rename more than a dozen streets that have ties to slavery and the Confederacy. WTOP’s Nick Iannelli shares the argument from both sides that he says is part of...
2022-06-15
21 min
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Explosion displaces bed-bound seniors & DC booksellers renew their vows for Juneteenth
An explosion and fire forced more than a hundred seniors to evacuate in Bowie Tuesday morning. No one was hurt, but it caused the building to partially collapse. Now, the vulnerable residents don’t know where they’ll go. WTOP’s John Domen heard the blast and went straight to the scene. He tells what happened and what concerns the residents’ loved-ones. And many of us are looking forward to a long weekend to honor Juneteenth. Derrick and Ramunda Young, who own Mahogany Books, are celebrating the holiday by renewing their vows and throwing a street celebration in honor of Emancipa...
2022-06-14
17 min
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Md.’s plan to ease your trip to the beach & Rockville native wins big at Tony Awards
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced a $15 million project to advance the state’s long-term "Reach the Beach" plan with the goal of relieving congestion along Maryland Route 90. We talk to Charlie Gischlar with the Maryland State Highway Administration about why this is so needed. And a Maryland native made history at the Tony Awards last night. Myles Frost became the youngest person to win best lead actor in a musical for his role as Michael Jackson on Broadway’s “MJ: The Musical.” WTOP’s Jason Fraley talked to Frost about how went from Wootton Highschool to Broadway. Learn more...
2022-06-13
18 min
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Why Commanders lost Va. stadium deal & DC council’s RFK interest
A day after the defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders doubled down on his tweet minimizing the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, Virginia lawmakers withdrew legislation that could have brought the team’s new stadium to the Commonwealth. WTOP’s Sports Director George Wallace tells us what Jack Del Rio said and why it’s having such an impact. Then, we speak with lawmakers from both Virginia and D.C. about why they chose to speak out in opposition to a stadium for different reasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi...
2022-06-09
23 min
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DC convictions ‘called into question’ after crime lab blunders & Heavy cars set to face hefty fee
A DC lawmaker is refusing to wait to see whether DC’s Department of Forensic Sciences can right its own ship, proposing legislation to restructure the crime lab which lost the ability to process crime scene evidence in the Spring of 2021. Megan has been reporting on this saga for years. She tells us how we got to this point, and where a criminal investigation into lab management stands. Then, lawmakers in DC have placed a fee hike in the 2023 budget for drivers of heavy vehicles. WTOP’s Melissa Howell tells us while it’s meant to prevent additional wear and tear o...
2022-06-06
19 min
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Gauging where feds stand on return-to-work debate & a DC deli owner’s fight to survive
To return or not to return to the office, that is the question workers and managers face across the country and in our area. This debate is likely to go on for a while, but in our region all eyes are on how federal agencies will decide whether to lean toward virtual, hybrid or in-person work. We talk to Federal News Networks’ Drew Friedman about how the government’s decision on his will shape how other industries navigate out of the pandemic. And with fewer office workers, some small businesses downtown are struggling with the drop in customers. We talk to W...
2022-06-03
19 min
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Enrollment drops at community colleges & ‘Representation matters’ at US National Parks
College enrollment is below average nationally, but the drop in enrollment is hitting community colleges especially hard. However, as WTOP’s Mike Murillo explains, it’s not entirely due to the pandemic. And one professor’s idea to introduce minority students at Bowie State University to the National Parks on a 1500-mile journey is more than just a fun trip. WTOP’s John Domen explains why he says a change is needed at the parks which are mostly enjoyed by white Americans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https...
2022-06-02
17 min
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Verdicts in Depp-Heard Defamation Trial & Commanders’ Dan Snyder called to Congress
After six weeks of trial in Fairfax County, a jury reached a verdict in the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation suits. Finding both proved defamation, the jury awarded Depp a far greater amount in compensatory damages than it did for Heard. We speak with entertainment attorney Kirk T. Schroder who explains what the verdict means and whether it could be appealed. And members of Congress want to hear from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders team owner Dan Snyder — calling them to appear in front of the House Oversight Committee. WTOP’s Mitchell Miller tells us what this means for the...
2022-06-01
18 min
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Va. law loops parents in on school threats & DC’s eaglet gets a name
A new law in Virginia that goes into effect in a month aims to keep parents in the know when it comes to violence or threats at school. Before now, principals only had to report crimes that would be considered felonies to law enforcement. Now, they must also report misdemeanors. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein explains why some think the law will prevent violence, while others are concerned over who it singles out. Then, we turn to a bald eagle nest at DC’s National Arboretum where an eaglet known as DC9 now has a new name. WTOP’s Kate Ryan tells...
2022-05-31
19 min
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Monkeypox in Northern Virginia. Plus, noticeable changes at Delmarva beaches
Monkeypox is in the D.C. region. The Virginia Department of Health found a confirmed case of Monkeypox in Northern Virginia. So, should we worry about this virus or do anything about it? Virologist Andrew Pekosz at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health talks about what Monkeypox is and how we should treat it. And scores of DMV residents are migrating to Delmarva beaches this long weekend, but they’ll notice that a lot has changed. WTOP’s John Domen says staff shortages are hitting the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia coasts hard. Learn more about your ad c...
2022-05-27
22 min
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The X's and O's of getting a Commanders stadium in Va.
There is a push among lawmakers in Virginia to strike a deal with Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder who is looking for a location for the football team’s new stadium. WTOP’s George Wallace catches us up on the land option in Woodbridge, Va., the recent dissent among other NFL franchise owners, and where the team is resting its hopes. Then, state delegates both for and against bringing a Commanders stadium in the Commonwealth tell us about the legislation they plan to discuss in a special assembly June 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...
2022-05-26
19 min
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School shooting threat in the DMV: How to talk to kids, increased security, and our gun laws
Hours before a gunman killed 19 students and 2 adults at a Texas elementary school, officials in Maryland learned of a threat to Gale Bailey Elementary School in Charles County. We talk with Dr. Maria Navarro, superintendent of Charles County’s Public Schools about how it’s responding, and WTOP’s Nick Iannelli shares how school districts across the DMV are increasing security. And as we all wrap our heads around the news from Texas, WTOP’s John Domen shares some psychiatrist-approved guidance for talking to kids about the tragedy. We also hear from Dr. Cassandra Crifasi, deputy director of the Center for Gun...
2022-05-25
25 min
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‘Digging through a mountain:’ Ellicott City’s flood plan & Blame game over Md. gas tax
Once in a thousand year floods aren’t supposed to happen in the span of two years. But it happened in Ellicott City back in 2016 and 2018. Today, Howard County is moving forward with a plan for an enormous tunnel meant to spare the historic district from devastating floods. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein talks about it. And, the gas tax in Maryland is set to rise and both the governor and comptroller think the other should do something about it. WTOP’s Kate Ryan tells us what this blame game is about and how much more you could see prices rise at the...
2022-05-24
19 min
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Standstill on DCA tarmac: A tale of what’s to come this summer travel season
Hundreds of travelers spent 4+ hours on Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s tarmac last night. WTOP’s Acacia James explains what happened to American Airlines passengers who finally got off their planes around 4 a.m. Monday. We address your rights as an airline passenger and speak with CBS News Travel Editor Peter Greenberg who offers predictions and tips for a smooth trip this Memorial Day weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-05-23
17 min
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Loudoun school board sues to halt Youngkin investigation & Reimagining Penn. Ave as a park
A Virginia school system is standing up against an executive order from Governor Glenn Youngkin instructing his Attorney General to investigate how Loudoun County’s school board handled two sexual assaults last year. The county contends the governor is overstepping his bounds. The government says there’s clearly a cover-up going on. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein helps us navigate the complicated local case. And the woman behind the plan to redesign Pennsylvania Avenue shares the three leading options and how everyone from skateboarders to national performers are weighing in on the makeover of America’s Main Street. Learn mo...
2022-05-20
19 min
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DC looks to a quarry for water security & ‘Bamboozled’: Indian Head Highway name remains
The drinking water for Washington, D.C., Falls Church, and Arlington is vulnerable as there's no Plan B if the Washington Aqueduct becomes compromised. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein tells us about the quarry water officials are looking to as a potential answer to the question, where can we keep a reserve? Augenstein explains the logistics behind creating what could be a 17-billion gallon backup. And, a few weeks after the Piscataway Tribe of Prince George’s County thought it ended a seven-year fight to change the name of Route 210 from Indian Head Highway to Piscataway Highway, they’ve learned that state...
2022-05-19
15 min
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Will COVID ruin summer? Plus, meet the DMV’s video gamer symphony
COVID cases continue to increase across our region but will a return to mandates come along with the uptick? WTOP’s Kate Ryan tells us why Montgomery County is focusing on a new r-word this time around - recommend. And how that’s playing out in schools. Plus, have you ever heard of a video game symphony? An orchestra in our region is arranging and performing original and classic video game music. The Washington Metropolitan Gamer Symphony Orchestra music director tells us how it came to be and how to get involved. Learn more about your ad choi...
2022-05-18
18 min
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End of the line for Metro GM & Catholic U.’s fight for ‘Wizard of Oz’ dress
There’s a lot going on at Metro - mounting train delays, the GM stepping down and real worries from riders about safety. We talk to NBC4 Transportation Reporter Adam Tuss about whether heads rolling at the top will really change anything at the transit system that he says is plagued by a history of failure. And Judy Garland’s blue gingham dress — worn in the Wizard of Oz — is at the heart of a legal battle between the surviving family members of a Catholic University priest and the school itself. We talk to WTOP’s Mike Murillo about the costume co...
2022-05-17
22 min
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Local moms help each other find baby formula & Preventable delays hit Metrorail
Parents in the DMV are banding together to find baby formula as the national shortage has some retailers limiting how much you can buy. WTOP’s Kyle Cooper reports on where parents are posting what they find and how you can help parents in need afford the expensive formula. Then, some Metrorail riders now face worse delays as 72 train operators are pulled from service due to expired certifications. WTOP’s Luke Lukert spoke with riders and explained how long to expect a delay on the Yellow and Green lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...
2022-05-16
17 min
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Politicizing protests outside Justices’ homes & Opioid overdoses increase, stigma persists
Thousands are expected to protest on the Mall Saturday in response to the leak of a draft opinion out of the Supreme Court on Roe v. Wade. But as the protests moved from outside the court to outside the Justices’ homes in the suburbs, the question over how to protect them while maintaining protesters’ rights turned political. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein explains. And more than 107,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses last year. Gary Mendell, who lost his son to an opioid overdose in 2012, turned his pain into action. He talks about how to combat and treat the disease that prompted him to...
2022-05-13
21 min
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Meet Metro’s new GM & Where we stand with COVID
We now know who is taking the helm at Metro. Randy Clarke — who comes to the D.C.-area from Austin, Texas — is stepping into what many consider one of the most challenging jobs in U.S. transportation. He’s tasked with rehabbing an underfunded and aging, yet essential transit system in the nation’s capital. We talk to WTOP's Luke Lukert about his past experiences and how they could translate to our transit system. Then we speak with Johns Hopkins virologist Andrew Pekosz about the rising case count and where things stand with COVID-19, as many of us are getting...
2022-05-10
20 min
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Dodging gas prices, DMV travel habits change
Driving in the D.C. area is more expensive and the price of gas keeps going up. Tom Kloza with the Oil Price Information Service tells us why costs keep climbing and if it will ever taper off. And on a related note, Metro is seeing more than double the riders it had on its rail service than it did last year. It’s likely due to the return to work in-person combined with the escalating cost to drive. WTOP’s Luke Lukert sums up the latest Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority report which shows ridership may be up, but sati...
2022-05-09
16 min
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The searing testimony of the Depp-Heard trial and its effect on #MeToo
The defamation suit turned spectacle between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp has attracted nearly 10 million views so far. But there will be nothing to watch until May 16 as the trial goes on break after both Depp and Heard delivered searing accounts of their abuse and violence. WTOP’s John Domen summarizes what we’ve missed from the Fairfax County courtroom. And then, Professor of Law at the University of Louisville Jamie Abrams provides a legal perspective on the trial’s significance, how it’s impacting the #MeToo movement and society’s understanding of domestic violence. Learn more about your...
2022-05-06
23 min
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Md. man could get life in prison for a ton of weed & 1st Commanders’ draft
A Maryland man faces federal charges after he allegedly moved more than a ton of marijuana between California and Maryland. If convicted, Jonathan Wall, 27, could go to prison for decades. Law360’s Senior Cannabis reporter Sam Reisman talks about the significance of this case being tried in federal court. And is the name change enough to turn the Commanders’ around? WTOP’s Sports Director George Wallace tells us why the team’s choice in a starting quarterback dictated its ‘new strategy’ in the 2022 draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Poli...
2022-05-02
15 min
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Ocean City killer who dismembered a couple seeks parole
Nearly 20 years after a former-Navy SEAL and his wife brutally killed and dismembered a Fairfax County couple in Ocean City, Maryland, the convicted killer Benjamin Sifrit faced a parole board to seek an early release. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein talks about the murders and the new details of cannibalism discovered during the appeals process. Then, WTOP's Luke Lukert has some tips about how to avoid delays and high prices when booking summer travel plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy No...
2022-04-29
21 min
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Fairfax Schools rethink cell phone use in the classroom
The Fairfax County Schools board is considering updating its cell phone use policy to ban social media if it isn't related to academics and define when kids can use their phones. WTOP’s Scott Gelman tells us there’s pushback after years of virtual learning when students relied on social media to connect. Then, WTOP’s Mike Murillo gives the upshot from a D.C. Mayoral forum Wednesday night where the mayor and most of her opponents faced off on the issues that will determine the race — crime, education and housing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...
2022-04-28
16 min
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Pentagon fails to track cyberbullying of women in the military
Sexual harassment, crude jabs, and doxxing bombard female service members everyday on the internet. That’s according to Federal News Network’s Scott Maucione. In his years of reporting on cyberbullying, he found the military isn’t tracking these cases, making it difficult to enforce an executive order that assigns punishment to service members who harass colleagues online. And then WTOP’s Kyle Cooper tells us about plans to redo the most iconic street in the U.S. — Pennsylvania Avenue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com...
2022-04-27
21 min
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All eyes on the battle over who gets into Thomas Jefferson High School
A legal fight over race and equity in an elite high school’s admission practices is garnering the attention of schools across the country. The Supreme Court weighed in on the battle over who gets into Alexandria’s Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. WTOP’s Mike Murillo catches us up on where the case stands and where it leaves students. And with covid numbers declining, some cities are rethinking how many pandemic-related changes to keep in place. We talk to an urban planner about the impact of streeteries and why covid may have changed how outdoor spaces are de...
2022-04-26
18 min
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Tracing the Van Ness sniper’s digital trail
D.C. Police are scanning the digital footprint of the man they say injured four people while shooting indiscriminately from the window of his apartment near the Van Ness Metro station Friday. WTOP’s Luke Lukert spoke to the police chief on where the investigation stands into the deceased shooter. And a controversy is heating up in Chevy Chase, Maryland over whether to include affordable housing in the project to renovate a beloved community library. WTOP’s Kate Ryan gives us the background on the issue and shares her interview with Montgomery County’s Council president, Gabe Albornoz. Lear...
2022-04-25
20 min
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'Electrify DC': Earth Day starts in protest
Earth Day kicked off in downtown D.C. with a protest by a group known for disrupting everyday life in the city. The group's demands are specific and they went to great heights to get their message across. WTOP’s Alejandro Alvarez tells us what they want and why they’re willing to be arrested for it. And Metro is the region’s biggest consumer of energy - we talk to its Director of Sustainability Rachel Healy about what Metro is doing to reduce its carbon footprint and how much greener it really is to take public transportation. Lear...
2022-04-22
17 min
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How Md. 210 became Piscataway Hwy
In what Governor Larry Hogan calls the “best session yet after eight years,” he signed more than one hundred bills into law, including those that address first responders’ mental health, cat’s claws and the name of a controversial highway. We speak with the matriarch of the Piscataway Indian Nation about their fight for this law. And a dog in Virginia was set to be euthanized seven years ago but thanks to his owners' attorney he’s still kicking. WTOP’s Neal Augenstein talks about the years-long fight to free Niko. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
2022-04-21
19 min
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‘Intruder’ killed at the Peruvian ambassador’s home
A man surprised the Peruvian ambassador's family when he tried to break into their residence in Northwest, D.C. U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Police officers eventually shot the man they say had a metal stake. WTOP’s Luke Lukert talks about what we know so far about the break-in at one of the District’s largest private properties. And then, WTOP’s Senior Sports Director Dave Johnson tells the reasons behind D.C. United's decision to fire its head coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https...
2022-04-20
14 min
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Metro Sheds Mask Mandate & Mormon Temple Tour
Masks are now optional on Metro after a federal judge in Florida ended the nationwide mask mandate for mass transit. WTOP’s Luke Lukert rode Metro this morning and talked to riders about the rule change and whether they’re ready to drop the mask on the train. Then, WTOP’s John Domen takes us inside the Church of Latter-day Saints in Kensington, Maryland before it opens to the public. He shares what to expect and the meaning behind the design of the Mormon temple. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Pr...
2022-04-19
20 min
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Special Release: Depp v. Heard Trial Starts in Fairfax
A jury in Fairfax County heard the opening statements in Johnny Depp’s $50 million defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife – Amber Heard – on Tuesday. She called herself a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse in a 2018 Washington Post opinion piece. WTOP’s Michelle Murillo talks about the gruesome details laid out during lawyers' first address to Virginia jurors. Entertainment and arts attorney Kirk Schroder then breaks down the legal strategies within the case and what precedent it may set for future defamation cases in the Commonwealth. Additionally, WTOP’s John Domen shares his exclusive reporting on why a construction project on Maryland R...
2022-04-13
19 min
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Early Release: The I-95 Nightmare Report
Three months after hundreds of drivers sat stranded on I-95 for 24-hours, Virginia transportation officials released a report on what went wrong and what public transit authorities can do to make sure it never happens again. WTOP’s Dave Dildine talks about the unprecedented situation and details the report's findings. WTOP's Luke Lukert explains what actions politicians want to take from the report’s recommendations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2022-04-05
21 min