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The U.S. Ukraine Foundation hosted a night of solidarity and unity as support for families in Ukraine continues to roll in.
WASHINGTON — Thursday marks three weeks since Russian military invaded Ukraine. Since then, more than 3 million people have fled the country, according to the United Nations.
Many people may be wondering what they can do to help those families in Ukraine.
Nadia McConnell is the president and founder of the U.S. Ukraine Foundation, an organization supporting the people of Ukraine in their quest for freedom, democracy, a free market economy and human rights.
As the invasion now moves into the third week, McConnell said there is a big need for medical supplies and a way to transport it there.
"What is missing is getting it from here to there and because it’s such an emergency situation, we have to airlift. Not only are people dying from the war, but now people are dying because they can’t get access to their normal medication‘s either," said McConnell.
This week the U.S. Ukraine Foundation hosted an event to help raise money to help send medical supplies to Ukraine's front lines.
"Ukraine AirLIFT is a program to deliver medical supplies to all parts of Ukraine, and it has been funding the flying of medical supplies to Poland for forward trucking to Ukraine. Initial shipments have been delivered to the Military Hospital in Kyiv," the organization shared on the Washington Stands with the Ukrainian People website.
Oksana Sukhina, the program director for the U.S. Ukraine Foundation, said she first moved to Washington D.C. two years ago.
"My son was turning 21 and I had the right to immigrate to the United States and I wanted a better future for my children. I wanted to give them a better education so I took a risk and came here," said Sukhina.
"My son is in cyber security so he has a job here but he took a leave and he went back to Ukraine to help. He was helping deliver food and medicine to people who needed it around Kiev. Today he was going to take refugees and take them closer to the western border to bring people to the border and to pick up stuff there and come back," said Sukhina.
"Logistics take time now and every shipment that can be delivered immediately, it can save lives. The need is enormous, it’s a huge huge need and any donation, anyway to expedite this process is critical. It is such a humanitarian crisis," said Sukhina.
"My family and I are refugees from World War II and we were welcomed to America. We were able to benefit from all of the benefits of being an American citizen and to some extent have a lived the American dream. When I look at some of the images coming from Ukraine and the leveled cities, I have to compare it to what we see from World War II. Just a total devastation," said McConnell.
McConnell said the needs of the Ukrainian people will change but right now the focus remains on medical supplies and finding a way to get it there.
"Now it seems there is an opportunity for me and others to help this next wave of refugees that will be coming from Ukraine," said McConnell.
"I think the rebuilding and helping Ukraine to rebuild is going to be a decades-long process, so we are building a coalition of people and organizations and we are trying to respond to the needs of today and tomorrow and plan for what will be needed tomorrow," said McConnell.
"We know that Ukraine will not be in the front pages always, we’ve seen that happen in the past, so we feel it’s a part of our mission is to keep a focus on the needs," said McConnell. | 2022-03-17T14:45:29Z | www.wusa9.com | U.S. Ukraine Foundation sends medical supplies to front lines | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/us-ukraine-foundation-hosts-night-of-solidarity-and-unity-for-families-in-ukraine/65-8a57d268-4ee7-4dfb-a3aa-853bd1f764a8 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/us-ukraine-foundation-hosts-night-of-solidarity-and-unity-for-families-in-ukraine/65-8a57d268-4ee7-4dfb-a3aa-853bd1f764a8 |
According to Mary Washington Healthcare officials, 60% of the Wellness Program's HIV patients are age 50 and up.
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — For decades, Mary Washington Healthcare has provided support for those living with HIV. The hospital's Wellness Program for HIV/AIDS has a number of resources for those living with and recently diagnosed with the disease.
The program serves all age groups, but officials say more than 60% of its HIV patients are at least 50 years old. That age group is a testament to how long people are living with HIV, but also the number of new cases in that age group as well.
"At least 17% of new diagnoses in HIV positive cases this year are those agest 50 and over," said Erika Robinson, Infectious Disease Nurse Practitioner of the MWHC Wellness Program.
HIV still has a lot of stigma around it. The mission of the MWHC Wellness Program and Ryan White Grant is to educate the community that no one is exempt from the disease. Years ago the focus was on the LGBTQ population, but now new cases are across the board in all demographics.
"No matter what age, race, gender or sexual orientation. There's no specific mold for somebody who's diagnosed with HIV," said Jessica Bedwell, MWHC Wellness Program Director.
The program, funded through the Ryan White Grant helps the underserved community gain access to expensive medications. The healthcare providers focus on everything from home HIV tests, treatment, prevention and even emotional support.
"It's really important for us to bring someone into our program to show them that we're at least proud of them for coming in to get the care they need and show them they're the most important person in this health care journey," said Bedwell.
Providing care for HIV patients | 2022-03-17T16:20:33Z | www.wusa9.com | Mary Washington Wellness Program supports those living with HIV | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/mary-washington-wellness-program-supports-those-living-with-hiv/65-8f812a89-2619-474c-be01-2e7014b8ce1a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/mary-washington-wellness-program-supports-those-living-with-hiv/65-8f812a89-2619-474c-be01-2e7014b8ce1a |
64-year-old James Cole is charged with the crimes against 27-year-old Cynthia Rodgers.
FORESTVILLE, Md. — Prince George's police believe they've found the man who killed and sexually assaulted a woman 33 years ago in Forestville, Maryland.
James Cole, 64, is now in police custody after he was arrested and charged with the crimes against Cynthia Rodgers of Forestville, who was 27 years old at the time of her death.
Cole is already serving a life sentence from an unrelated first-degree rape conviction.
Police say that on Jan. 27, 1989, Rodgers was found dead in a wooded area in the 6000 block of Surrey Square Lane Service Road in Forestville.
Investigators said that she was found suffering from trauma and had been sexually assaulted. The medical examiner determined the cause of death as strangulation with blunt force trauma to her head and neck and the manner was ruled a homicide.
On Jan. 24, 2022, police said detectives had evidence in the case retested, and thanks to advancements in DNA technology, produced a "complete unidentified male profile."
A search of the State of Maryland DNA database resulted in a positive match to Cole, police have announced. Detectives have since found no evidence that Cole and Rodgers knew one another.
Montgomery County officer explains how a victim was saved from a car crash | 2022-03-17T16:20:39Z | www.wusa9.com | Suspect charged in unsolved 1989 Forestville, Maryland killing | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-suspect-charged-in-unsolved-1989-forestville-murder/65-301bfe3b-9f51-47fb-8d8a-34b39d249d85 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-suspect-charged-in-unsolved-1989-forestville-murder/65-301bfe3b-9f51-47fb-8d8a-34b39d249d85 |
The budget would provide teachers, staff with a 4.2% cost of living adjustment, a step increase, resulting in an average pay increase of 7%, the press release said.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. — The Prince William County School Board unanimously voted to adopt a new $80 million budget. According to a press release sent by the district, the new budget includes a cost of living raise for staff.
“The budget invests more than $80 million to provide teachers and staff with a 4.2 percent cost of living adjustment and a step increase, resulting in an average pay increase of 7 percent,” the statement said.
The release also said the investment would include market-based improvements to certified/instructional and classified employee pay scales. As a result of these adjustments, PWCS says its salaries will be more competitive. These increases will target primarily early and mid-career steps on their payscale, where PWCS has the least parity with other school divisions competing for talent. As such, some instructional and certified staff will see increases above 7%.
“This outstanding budget enables us to advance many of the priorities outlined in our PWCS Vision 2025, Launching Thriving Futures Strategic Plan,” said PWCS Board Chairman At-Large, Dr. Babur B. Lateef, M.D. “It is now imperative that the General Assembly finish their work and pass the funding critical to support our teachers and classrooms.”
Prince William County also said the adopted budget invests nearly $10 million in additional special education resources.
“This includes the proposed addition of 100 full-time special education teaching assistants, who will provide much-needed support for the most vulnerable students," the press release said. "In addition, the budget includes the hiring of 13 assistive technology specialists. These experts are critical to supporting student voice and engagement in the classroom."
The budget includes the addition of 88 full-time kindergarten teaching assistants to support the critical development of early learners. In support of families, the budget includes the addition of 35 parent liaisons, with the long-term goal of at least one for every school in the next four years. This budget also includes five additional social worker positions, and additional language translation support. Additionally, to support students and families with post-secondary planning, and career and technical education opportunities, the budget adds 15 career counselors.
To support Family and Community Engagement, the Superintendent's proposed budget adds 35 parent liaisons, supporting the goal of having one at every school over the next four years. pic.twitter.com/jgddzzC6hx
— PWCS (@PWCSNews) March 16, 2022
The budget proposes the hiring of 30 security specialists along with infrastructure upgrades of cameras and emergency systems. It also includes the hiring of an additional 14 nurses to further bolster this critical role and reduce the high student-to-nurse ratio, the release said.
The total PWCS FY2023 operating revenue will increase by about $187.2 million, or 15.2% over 2022.
RELATED: Fairfax County School Board files appeal to ruling over Thomas Jefferson High School admissions policy
RELATED: Students treated to dress, tux shopping at Say Yes to Prom event | Get Uplifted | 2022-03-17T17:51:08Z | www.wusa9.com | New Prince William schools budget includes raise for teachers | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/prince-william-county-school-board-new-budget-staff-getting-raise/65-d09aa504-caef-4cf8-adc0-23931fcb8ed9 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/prince-william-county-school-board-new-budget-staff-getting-raise/65-d09aa504-caef-4cf8-adc0-23931fcb8ed9 |
SoberRide offering $15 off Lyft rides in DC area for St. Patrick's Day
Zero lucks are given to drunk drivers on St. Paddy's Day. Have a designated driver, or taken advantage of Lyft's $15 SoberRide offer if you're in a pinch.
WASHINGTON — Editor's Note: The video above aired in March 2020.
We're all a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day, but you'll be out of luck if you don't plan a sober ride if you're out drinking.
Washington Regional Alcohol Program's SoberRide initiative is partnering with Lyft to curve drunk driving Thursday as people celebrate St. Patrick's Day. WRAP, a nonprofit based in Falls Church, Va., launched in 1982 and partners with local governments to prevent underage drinking and drunk driving in the D.C. area.
The organization's SoberRide program offers residents in the area a safe means of getting home from a night of fun and drinking alcohol with family and friends on occasions like Cinco de Mayo, Independence Day, Halloween and during the December and January holiday season.
This Saint Patrick’s Day, have fun, but also please make sure to be safe. If you celebrate with a couple of drinks (or Guinnesses) designate a driver or use the #SoberRide program for a free Lyft ride home. pic.twitter.com/6SNKAcOwEc
Starting at 4 p.m. on St. Patrick's Day, Lyft users over the age of 21 can enter a code — which will be posted on SoberRide's website at 3 p.m. — in the app's "Payment" tab, which is located under the "Add a Lyft Pass" option.
The code is valid for a free ride home in the D.C. area (up to $15), with the offer ending at 4 a.m. Friday.
A graphic from WRAP promoting the offer says, "Keep the Luck of the Irish Alive. Don't Drink and Drive."
D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine promoted the SoberRide offer on his Twitter.
"This Saint Patrick’s Day, have fun, but also please make sure to be safe," Racine tweeted. "If you celebrate with a couple of drinks (or Guinnesses) designate a driver or use the #SoberRide program for a free Lyft ride home."
Drive-thru Ash Wednesday at Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA | 2022-03-17T19:23:30Z | www.wusa9.com | Don't beat your luck driving drunk St. Patrick's Day in DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/holidays/free-lyft-rides-st-patricks-day-sober-rides-code/65-3bf809fe-1425-4445-a968-48116a1a278f | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/holidays/free-lyft-rides-st-patricks-day-sober-rides-code/65-3bf809fe-1425-4445-a968-48116a1a278f |
WASHINGTON — A New Mexico county commissioner and founder of “Cowboys for Trump” will appear before a federal judge in D.C. next week to stand trial on two charges connected to the Capitol riot.
Although Griffin was never charged with firearm-related offenses, investigators say he spoke repeatedly of his plan to bring guns to D.C. At an Otero County Commissioners Meeting, Griffin said he had a “.357 Henry, big boy rifle lever action” in the trunk of his car and would be keeping a .357-caliber Colt Reuger revolver on the passenger seat.
Griffin’s attorney, David Smith, was expected to argue the restricted area charge should be dismissed because Vice President Mike Pence had already been evacuated from the Senate Chamber at the point Griffin came to the Capitol. Last week, McFadden told prosecutors if they intended to proceed with the entering and remaining charge, they should have a witness present who could speak with first-hand knowledge of the whereabouts of Pence at the time Griffin was on the grounds – approximately 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 6.
Griffin’s bench trial was set to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison on each count, with a likely recommended sentencing range of 0-6 months. | 2022-03-17T19:23:36Z | www.wusa9.com | Capitol riot trial for Cowboys for Trump founder starts next week | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/cowboys-for-trump-founder-to-stand-trial-in-capitol-riot-case-next-week-couy-griffin/65-88b2d0eb-89e9-4c14-a0b6-4345f7832809 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/cowboys-for-trump-founder-to-stand-trial-in-capitol-riot-case-next-week-couy-griffin/65-88b2d0eb-89e9-4c14-a0b6-4345f7832809 |
Man on US Marshal's 'most wanted' list extradited to DC; charged with homicide
DC Police say Nyjell Outler was charged not only for a homicide that occurred in March 2021, but for several other offenses in the DC area over the last two years.
WASHINGTON — Editor's Note: The video above originally aired in March 2021.
The Metropolitan Police Department says a Northeast D.C. man who was arrested in February, in connection with a homicide that occurred at a gender reveal party in March 2021, has been extradited to the District where he faces additional offenses for separate charges.
Police identified the man as 19-year-old Nyjell Outler. Outler, who in January was included on the "U.S. Marshal's 15 Most Wanted" list, was located almost one year since a man was fatally shot at a gender reveal party located on Madison Street in Northeast. A $50,000 reward was offered by officials to anyone who had information about Outler that could lead to an arrest or conviction.
The homicide at the gender reveal party occurred March 20. Police believe Outler opened fire on a 21-year-old man — identified as Demetris Johnson, of Southeast — who died on the scene. A second person at the party was injured by gunshot wounds to the legs, a police statement said.
Nyjell Outler, one of US Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted, was extradited to Washington, DC, and transported to the Homicide Branch where he was charged in the homicide that occurred on 3/20/21, in the Unit block of Madison Street, NE.
Release: https://t.co/qiBnhffegK https://t.co/NuEYu0KJwh
He was apprehended in South Bay, Fla. on Feb. 23 by the U.S. Marshals Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force.
WUSA9 previously reported that Johnson attended the party wearing an ankle monitor because he was on pre-trial release related to a different gun charge. He was known to have also had ties in the Virginia and California area.
MPD Capt. Kevin Kentish told reporters Wednesday that Outler was extradited that day to the District and taken to the homicide branch, where he was charged with second-degree murder while armed.
"In this case, this was a great closure by everybody involved," Kentish said.
According to Kentish, tips from the community were helpful to detectives investigating Outler's case.
In addition to the homicide charges, Kentish said investigators connected three other offenses committed in 2021 and 2020 to Outler. He's now facing the following additional charges:
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon for a shooting that occurred around 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 19, 2020 that left a boy and a man injured from gunshot wounds. Police say the shooting happened around the 3900 block of Minnesota Avenue in Northeast but when officers arrive the shooter left the scene.
Robbery which police say occurred Feb. 21, 2021 before 2 p.m. at a business located in the 3700 block of Minnesota Avenue in Northeast.
Attempt to commit robbery, which police say also occurred on Feb. 14, 2021 before 2:15 p.m. at the 1400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue in Southeast. A statement from police says, "One of the suspects brandished a firearm and demanded the employee return to the inside the establishment while demanding property. The suspects entered the establishment and fled the scene without obtaining any property." It is unclear how Kentish is specifically involved in this robbery.
Known DC gang member accused of shooting at gender reveal party on Most Wanted list | 2022-03-17T20:55:44Z | www.wusa9.com | Man on 'Most Wanted' list extradicted to DC facing murder charges | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/nyjell-outler-us-marshals-15-most-wanted-list-extradited-to-dc-charged-in-gender-reveal-party-homicide/65-a2aa40ba-6819-4a36-9916-1369ca47477b | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/nyjell-outler-us-marshals-15-most-wanted-list-extradited-to-dc-charged-in-gender-reveal-party-homicide/65-a2aa40ba-6819-4a36-9916-1369ca47477b |
Lucas Denney pleaded guilty Thursday to one felony count of assaulting police with a dangerous weapon. That may not stop the DOJ from bringing more charges.
WASHINGTON — A Texas militia member pleaded guilty Thursday to one felony count of assaulting police with a dangerous weapon – a move that could result in years of prison time and potentially set up a legal fight over double jeopardy.
Lucas Denney appeared for the second time in a week before U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss to enter his plea. He’d upended an earlier hearing on Monday meant to be about dismissing the criminal complaint against him when one of his attorneys said he intended to plead guilty instead.
Denney’s attorney, William Shipley, told Moss the Justice Department had acted in bad faith earlier in the month when they’d rushed to a federal grand jury to get a one-count indictment against Denney, who had initially been charged with seven felonies. Shipley said Denney intended to plead guilty that day in an effort to preempt the government from seeking a new indictment on additional felony charges.
Shipley says they don't want to go through the statement of facts line by line because THEY DON'T HAVE DISCOVERY YET and he doesn't want Denney to agree to something that's not true. Says, correctly, that normally there would be an agreed upon statement of facts.
Moss was skeptical about that plan, and reset the hearing for Thursday to give him time to research the issue and for lawyers for both sides to come up with estimated sentencing guidelines. On Wednesday, assistant U.S. attorney Jennifer Rozzoni filed a brief estimating Denney could face a recommended sentence of 57-71 months in prison if he pleaded guilty to assaulting police on Jan. 6. Shipley estimated it lower, at 41-51 months.
On Thursday, after repeatedly asking Denney if he understood what he was doing, Moss accepted his guilty plea. Because the charge is a violent felony, Moss ordered Denney to remain in custody while he awaits sentencing, which was set for June 9.
Judge Moss asks if Lucas Denney assaulted police by swinging a long pole at officers?
"It was plastic, like PVC. Yes sir," Denney says.
Was the purpose to assault an officer?
"The purpose was to block the pepper spray," Denney says. "But I did hit an officer."
An issue that remained unresolved was whether federal prosecutors could continue to seek the additional six charges, even though Denney had pleaded guilty to one count in connection to the riot. Moss pointed out that, in a normal plea hearing, both sides would have agreed to a deal preventing additional prosecution for specific circumstances in question. Denney has no deal in place with the government and the prosecutor, Rozzoni, indicated the DOJ was still looking at whether to pursue additional charges against him. Those charges could include civil disorder, conspiracy to obstruct and official proceeding and disorderly conduct in a restricted building or grounds resulting in significant bodily injury – all felonies.
But Shipley, who served as a federal prosecutor himself for 20 years before taking up private practice in Hawaii, said he believed Denney would be immune from further prosecution under double jeopardy – a legal principle that prevents re-prosecution for the same crime.
The standard for double jeopardy in the United States was set in the Supreme Court’s 1932 “Blockburger v. United States” decision. It established the “same elements test” in a unanimous opinion written by Justice George Sutherland, who wrote: “The applicable rule is that, where ethe same act or transaction constitutes a violation of two distinct statutory provisions, the test to be applied to determine whether there are two offenses or only one is whether each provision requires proof of an additional fact which the other does not.”
Even Shipley acknowledged though, under questioning from Moss, that circuit courts have split on whether double jeopardy would prevent prosecutors from coming back and indicting Denney on counts from the original criminal complaint. Shipley said courts had ruled 5-3 in favor of his position – that they can’t – but that the D.C. Circuit Court had not taken up the issue. | 2022-03-17T22:29:59Z | www.wusa9.com | Capitol riot guilty plea tees up double jeopardy fight | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/guilty-plea-could-set-up-double-jeopardy-fight-in-capitol-riot-case-lucas-denney-william-shipley-john-pierce-january-6-patriot-boys-militia-texas/65-8a999ff5-5202-4e0f-badd-bbbba2bbaae4 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/guilty-plea-could-set-up-double-jeopardy-fight-in-capitol-riot-case-lucas-denney-william-shipley-john-pierce-january-6-patriot-boys-militia-texas/65-8a999ff5-5202-4e0f-badd-bbbba2bbaae4 |
One dead after shooting in Prince George's County, police say
Police: 1 dead after shooting in Prince George's County
The pipes undergo an annual chemical cleanse. Consider it your water system's spring cleaning.
WASHINGTON — It's an annual rite of spring. The cleaning of the pipes. And with it, that funky taste and smell from the water coming out of your faucet.
Each year, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers temporarily switches the disinfectants it uses to clean the water distribution system served by the Washington Aqueduct. It's considered an industry-standard practice, and there is no interruption in service. But the switch from chloramine to chlorine can slightly, but noticeably, alter the taste and smell of tap water.
The aqueduct serves thousands of customers in the District of Columbia, Arlington County and northeastern Fairfax County. This year, the cleaning procedure runs from March 21 through May 9.
To reduce the taste or smell of chlorine, DC Water offers some recommendations:
Run the cold water tap for two minutes. Run it for five to 10 minutes when water is not used for several hours.
Refrigerate cold tap water in an open pitcher. Within a few hours, the chlorine taste and odor will disappear.
Consider using a water filter. Some filters may reduce the chlorine taste and smell. DC Water recommends using pitcher-style filters or devices installed at the faucet.
Individuals and business owners who take special precautions to remove chloramine from tap water, such as dialysis centers and medical facilities, should take the same precautions during the temporary switch to chlorine. Most methods for removing chloramine from tap water are also effective in removing chlorine. Individuals with special health concerns should consult a health care provider.
The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the safe use of both chloramine and chlorine. In addition, DC Water routinely collects and tests water samples to monitor for chloramine and chlorine levels throughout the city. You can view the latest test results here.
RELATED: EPA director promises action on forever chemicals
According to Arlington County, the region's drinking water continues to meet or exceed all safety standards established by the EPA and the Virginia Department of Health. For more information on Arlington County's water system, you can visit the county website here. | 2022-03-18T00:02:14Z | www.wusa9.com | Here's why DC's tap water may smell and taste funny for a while | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc-arlington-fairfax-county-chemical-chlorine-cleaning-tap-water-faucet-funny-taste-smell-weeks-washington-aqueduct/65-37d976cf-73e4-4150-9b8d-1e3ba95a31ce | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc-arlington-fairfax-county-chemical-chlorine-cleaning-tap-water-faucet-funny-taste-smell-weeks-washington-aqueduct/65-37d976cf-73e4-4150-9b8d-1e3ba95a31ce |
Chuck was living on 17th & H Streets, NE when he was shot multiple times by a man believed to be targeting homeless communities. He's still hospitalized recovering.
Credit: Sondra Phillips-Gilbert
WASHINGTON — Sondra Phillips-Gilbert first met Chuck while walking to work one winter day in 2019. Chuck, a man in his 50s, would sit on the corner of 18th and Benning Road nearly every day, and one day Phillips-Gilbert, an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in 6A, decided to make contact.
“I would pass by him on the corner ... and one day I said, ‘what can I do for you?'"
For the next three months, Phillips-Gilbert made sure Chuck had toiletries and food to eat.
“Every morning I made my lunch, I would make chuck’s lunch too,” she said smiling at the memory. "Chuck was very intelligent, he was kind, he was respectful."
On March 11, the commissioner said she was heading to the Safeway and noticed Chuck and his belongings weren’t in their normal spot. Days later, she heard news of a series of attacks on men experiencing homelessness in D.C. and New York. She remembers hoping that nothing had happened to Chuck.
RELATED: 30-year-old man charged with first-degree murder in attacks on homeless men
Police said 30-year old Gerald Brevard III shot Chuck on March 8 just before 1:30 a.m. Chuck was the second of five men experiencing homelessness that police said Brevard attacked in D.C. and New York, two of whom died. Chuck survived his assault.
According to court documents, MPD’s ShotSpotter detected two gunshots about a minute apart. The first shot came from 17th and H NE, and the second from right around the corner on Benning Road. When police arrived about one minute later, the records indicate Chuck was found next to a construction site suffering from gunshot wounds to the head, face, chest, thigh, buttock and hand.
Prosecutors said in court Wednesday, that a witness saw a man in black walk behind the victim after he was shot once and tried to get away. The witness later described the suspect sitting on a curb listening to music on his phone after the shooting. According to the court record, the suspect was also spotted on nearby surveillance camera.
“God was watching over him,” said Phillips-Gilbert.
She knew she needed to call his son, whom she had been trying to help reconnect with his father. A few years back, Chuck asked her to call his son. She contacted his adult son and together, they tried to get Chuck off the streets and into mental health care, but he refused.
“That was really hurtful for his son," Phullips-Gilbert said. "He really wanted to help his father. To watch your father, your loved one, on the corner just out there where anyone can take advantage of you?!”
This call, she knew was going to be even more painful.
“I called his son and said is your father at 17th and H? He said, ‘yes' and I told him his father was one of the victims, but he survived," Phillips-Gilbert said.
She helped connect Chuck's son to city services and agencies for help. But she said hearing Chuck's son commiserate over not being able to share his resources with his father was devastating.
"He said, 'I have a home. I have five bedrooms. My father can stay in any one of those rooms, but I can’t help my father,'" Phillips-Gilbert said.
Phillips-Gilbert considers herself an earth-angel for Chuck and his family. She is grateful she was able to use her resources to help along the way.
“If I had not paid attention to that corner where Chuck lived, his son would not know today that his father was one of the victims,” she said. 'But what are the next steps for Chuck and people like Chuck? What do we do as a society? We got to do better than this.”
The Commissioner said this is not the end of the story. She’s calling on Mayor Bowser to create a task force, not just to end homelessness, but to ensure our neighbors living on the streets have the mental health services they so desperately need.
DC cherry blossoms have reached stage 4, nearing peak bloom | 2022-03-18T00:02:21Z | www.wusa9.com | Commissioner reunites homeless man with son after attack | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/victim-of-attacks-against-homeless-men-reunited-with-his-son/65-f91c3ea8-671a-4d24-a336-83cc39109f53 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/victim-of-attacks-against-homeless-men-reunited-with-his-son/65-f91c3ea8-671a-4d24-a336-83cc39109f53 |
Mother charged in custody dispute may be "hiding in plain sight" with girls somewhere in DC area, police say
WAYNESBORO, Pa. — Editor's Note: The video above covers a different missing persons case.
Police in a Pennsylvania town are urging residents of the D.C. area to be on the lookout for two sisters who went missing exactly two years ago.
The chief of the Waynesboro, PA Police Department believes Hannah Lee and sister Skye Rex might be hidden "in plain sight" by their 45-year-old mother Lashada Lee, who’s wanted on felony warrants for violations of custodial rights, according to court records.
The sisters are seven and nine years old.
US Marshals have been assisting in the case, according to Waynesboro police.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says the girls may be in danger, especially if they are being hidden, kept away from school, or on the run.
Police say they have no specific information that the children's mother is a threat to them.
Their father is John Rex who lives near Hagerstown, Maryland. He says his ex-wife left with the children on March 17, 2020. It was the same day a Maryland judge granted full custody to him after a bitter divorce and long court battle, court records show.
730 days. Exactly two years today my daughters were kidnapped by a fugitive and taken for a life on the run instead of...
Posted by Rex John on Thursday, March 17, 2022
“I want people to look at the pictures and search for them they’re all over the internet at this point," Rex cried during a heartbreaking video interview he gave to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “I just beg people to look at their pictures remember their faces and just please be on the lookout.”
Leemie Kahng-Sofer of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says the mother has friends and relatives in the D.C. area.
“There was potentially information that they could be hiding in plain sight in maybe the D.C. metro area," Kahng-Sofer said.
“I’ve always told you girls that my number one job was to protect you and keep you safe. I’m sorry I can’t do that right now because I don’t know where you are. I promise once you come home that you’ll have all the love, support, and protection possible." https://t.co/m2x5oe1bzp pic.twitter.com/NqzREYsi8g
She noted the dissapearances happened just as the COVID epidemic was ramping up two years ago.
“There was online school or kids weren't even attending school. If they were attending school, they were wearing masks and so it's maybe a new day now."
Kahng-Sofer said that the children may be out in public or attending school without masks, which increases the possibility someone might recognize them.
“The children’s safety is a paramount concern. And just because they're with the other parent does not necessarily mean that they're okay," Kahng-Sofer said.
Father John Rex said in a Facebook post Thursday his kids have been “taken for a life on the run instead of being given what every child deserves - A life filled with peace, happiness and security.”
“Daddy loves you and has always loved you. I’ll never stop searching for you until you’re found” he wrote.
WUSA9's attempts to contact mother Lashada Lee were not successful.
WATCH NEXT: 27-year-old Alexandria man wanted for murder in case of missing woman | 2022-03-18T03:01:43Z | www.wusa9.com | Heartbroken father cries for kids 2 years after disappearance | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/heartbroken-dad-cries-kids-years-after-disappearance/65-e63fcb2e-f17f-4063-9326-fbb834fa5845 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/heartbroken-dad-cries-kids-years-after-disappearance/65-e63fcb2e-f17f-4063-9326-fbb834fa5845 |
'You can win on this stage' | Howard women's basketball coach hopes to continue historic tournament run
Howard University's women's team won its first NCAA Tournament game ever Wednesday.
WASHINGTON — Howard University women’s basketball team is preparing for one of its biggest games ever.
The team will take on the University of South Carolina. The Gamecocks are a number 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
The Howard Lady Bison recently won their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 21 years. After that, they achieved another major accomplishment Wednesday. The team defeated the University of Incarnate Word to get its first NCAA Tournament win ever.
Head Coach Ty Grace said her team is prepared for any challenge ahead.
“I mean, we're still here, we're still dancing, so my team is still feeling all the good vibes,” she said.
Grace said her team is humble but has enjoyed the attention it has received so far.
“They know, at the end of the day, what they've been through and what they’ve endured throughout the season,” she said.
Grace added the team’s presence in the tournament will make an impact on the program for years to come.
“It does a lot,” she said. “It definitely tells a young woman that decided to come to and HBCU, especially Howard, that you can win, you can win at this level, you can win on this stage,” she said.
Howard isn’t the only university with a women’s team in the NCAA Tournament this year.
Mt. St. Mary’s University, of Emmitsburg, Maryland, lost to Longwood University Thursday night 70-74.
The Maryland women will face Delaware Friday afternoon.
While American University’s women’s team is scheduled to take on Michigan on Saturday. | 2022-03-18T09:11:44Z | www.wusa9.com | Howard women's basketball team prepare to take on South Carolina | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/howard-womens-basketball-team-prepare-for-usc/65-c48ea75e-105b-49eb-aab9-f99f021efe6e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/howard-womens-basketball-team-prepare-for-usc/65-c48ea75e-105b-49eb-aab9-f99f021efe6e |
'Blacks in Wax' returns to DC with in-person performances | Get Uplifted
Cora Masters Barry discusses the importance of the program she founded, now in its 16th year.
WASHINGTON — After a two-year hiatus, the "Blacks in Wax" program is back with in-person performances at THEARC Theater in Southeast D.C.
Founded by former D.C. First Lady Cora Masters Barry 15 years ago, Barry and her staff of professionals, teach acting and dramatics to children and youth who attend the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center, (SETLC), the majority of whom have never acted or performed before.
Get ready for powerful depictions of beloved former D.C. “Mayor for Life,” Marion Barry, Jr.; “The Greatest of All Time,” Muhammad Ali; Ali’s daughter, Boxing champion, Laila Ali; Women’s and Human Rights activist, Linda Sarsour; and other African-American icons in this year's performances.
"Blacks in Wax" will also feature a museum of African American leaders, performers, educators, scientists and others who have become heroes in this country.
Barry said the reason the program was founded was to teach Black history differently.
"It was hard to teach that through lectures or even videos, so we decided to do a play at one point," Barry said. "To make a very long story short, we started at the library of the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center and we ended up on the stage at the Kennedy Center."
The production offers a unique opportunity for the public, Barry said.
"This is our 16th year providing an opportunity for the public to come, learn, be entertained, be inspired and just be amazed by these young people."
Barry said over 40 young people are involved in auditioning, learning scripts, embodying characters and personalizing them. She said the production teaches Black history differently, but it also inspires confidence in the young scholars at the Southeast Tennis and Learning Center.
"A lot of them start by saying, 'I can't do this,' 'I can't memorize all this,' 'I can't get up in front of all these people,' and they end up doing all of it, and they are forever changed," Barry said.
For more information on Blacks in Wax, click here.
RELATED: Southeast Tennis and Learning Center celebrates 20 years with special screening of 'King Richard'
RELATED: Artifact from nation's first Black Army regiment on display in Virginia
'Blacks in Wax' returns to DC after 2-year hiatus | Get Uplifted | 2022-03-18T10:39:01Z | www.wusa9.com | Blacks in Wax production back in person after 2 years off | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/heartwarming/get-uplifted/blacks-in-wax-in-person-performances-return-to-dc/65-7d9f9b4a-c774-47f0-8c0d-398bdefab013 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/life/heartwarming/get-uplifted/blacks-in-wax-in-person-performances-return-to-dc/65-7d9f9b4a-c774-47f0-8c0d-398bdefab013 |
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office said the man fired a gun at the deputy during a foot chase.
FREDERICK COUNTY, Md. — A man is in the hospital after he was shot by a Frederick County Sheriff's Office deputy early Friday morning.
According to the sheriff's office, a deputy attempted a traffic stop for a suspected drunk driver who was speeding on Interstate 270 and Route 85 around 2:45 a.m.
When the driver refused to stop, a pursuit ensued, the sheriff's office said. That pursuit ended in the Kingsbrook Community area in Frederick, when the suspect bailed from his car and ran off on foot, according to police officials.
At one point during the foot chase, the suspect fired a gun at the deputy and the deputy returned fire, according to a press release from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office. The deputy struck the suspect, and the deputy was not hurt.
Medics responded to the scene and transported the suspect by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. The suspect is currently in stable condition, according to the sheriff's office. Investigators say a handgun was recovered at the scene.
The sheriff's office said there is no threat to the community.
Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins is expected to hold a press conference to update the community on the incident.
Additional details have not yet been released by investigators.
RELATED: Police investigate deadly shooting in Prince George's County | 2022-03-18T12:12:36Z | www.wusa9.com | Deputy shoots man during pursuit in Frederick County | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/frederick-county-deputy-shoots-injures-man-following-pursuit/65-41649ba7-e95f-47f8-a02a-08fca621c21c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/frederick-county-deputy-shoots-injures-man-following-pursuit/65-41649ba7-e95f-47f8-a02a-08fca621c21c |
Prince William County leans into local sourcing for school lunches amid supply shortages, inflation
Supply shortages, inflation hurting school lunch preparations; PWCS thinks local sourcing is the answer
Local teams from Maryland and Virginia are playing in the men's and women's NCAA March Madness tournaments. Here's what you need to know about the matchups.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — It's mid-March, which means there's only one thing on most sports fans' minds right now: madness, baby! The first day of the NCAA tournament brought numerous upsets, wiping out all but a few perfect brackets.
Virginia's own Richmond Spiders men's team was one of the cinderella stories Thursday, as the No. 12 seed beat No. 5 Iowa. The Virginia Tech Hokies men's team is hoping to follow in the Spiders' shoes Friday as the No. 11 seed takes on No. 6 Texas Longhorns.
The Howard Bisons' women's team made history Wednesday, defeating the University of Incarnate Word to get a bid to their first NCAA tournament. They'll take on the No. 1 seed, South Carolina Gamecocks Friday afternoon.
"It definitely tells a young woman that decided to come to an HBCU, especially Howard, that you can win," Head Coach Ty Grace said. "You can win at this level, you can win on this stage."
Here's when you can watch all of our local stars playing in the men and women's tournaments Friday and Saturday.
Howard Bisons (#16) vs. South Carolina Gamecocks (#1)
NCAA Women's Division I Tournament
First Round - Friday 3/18
Location: Colonial Life Arena - Columbia, SC
Watch on: ESPN streaming
Notes: The Howard Lady Bisons recently won their first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 21 years. After that, they achieved another major accomplishment Wednesday. The team defeated the University of Incarnate Word to get its first NCAA Tournament win ever.
Virginia Tech Hokies (#5) vs. Florida Gulf Coast Eagles (#12)
Location: Xfinity Center - College Park, MD
Watch on: ESPNU
Notes: The VT Hokie's women's team is a strong contender in this year's tournament as they start with a near-home crowd playing in neighboring Maryland. The team is 'centered' around star junior and ACC player of the year Elizabeth Kitley, who stands an imposing 6'6 in the low post.
Virginia Tech Hokies (#11) vs. Texas Longhorns (#6)
NCAA Men's Division I Tournament
Location: Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee, WI
Watch on: TBS
Notes: The Hokies look to start their tournament off with an upset win against the Longhorns after finishing strong to end the season. VT beat UNC and Duke in the ACC tournament en route to a championship and a punched ticket to the Madness.
RELATED: March Madness East Region preview: Can Virginia Tech keep riding momentum?
Maryland Terrapins (#4) vs. Delaware Blue Hens (#13)
Watch on: ESPN
Notes: The Terrapins women's team feels rested and ready to make a splash after their Big Ten tournament defeat to Indiana one week ago. They will be led by top scorer and rebounder Angel Reese in their true home game at Xfinity Center.
American Eagles (#14) vs. Michigan Wolverines (#3)
First Round - Saturday 3/19
Location: Crisler Center - Ann Arbor, MI
Notes: The Eagles women's team is making their third trip ever to the NCAA tournament and starts with a big matchup against the high-ranked Michigan Wolverines.
Perfect weather out on the quad today, and an awesome send-off for our NCAA-bound @au_wbasketball team! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/KX1ihloib4
— American U. Eagles (@AUeagles) March 16, 2022
Richmond Spiders (#12) vs. Providence Friars (#4)
Second Round - Saturday 3/19
Location: KeyBank Center - Buffalo, NY
Watch on: TNT
Notes: The Richmond University Spiders were one of the big surprise upsets of day one of March Madness when they upset the Iowa Hawkeyes (#5), beating them 67-63. | 2022-03-18T18:20:03Z | www.wusa9.com | How to watch today's NCAA tournament basketball games | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/ncaa/ncaab/march-madness/ncaa-tournament-games-how-to-watch-friday-saturday-dc-maryland-virginia/65-017abdd7-a90c-4bc7-9ed8-13dd809416fb | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/ncaa/ncaab/march-madness/ncaa-tournament-games-how-to-watch-friday-saturday-dc-maryland-virginia/65-017abdd7-a90c-4bc7-9ed8-13dd809416fb |
Howard University started out strong with its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory on Wednesday but fell to the tournament's top-seeded team on Friday.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Howard University started out strong with its first-ever NCAA Tournament victory on Wednesday, but the magic ended when it fell to the tournament's top-seed team Friday.
The Howard Bison loss to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks 79 to 21 after making school history with a win over Incarnate World University as part of the tournament's "First Four" games.
South Carolina scored 20 points before the Bison even got on the scoreboard. 13 of Howard's 21 points came in the fourth quarter.
Howard guard Iyanna Warren, right, reaches for the ball against South Carolina forward Sania Feagin (20) during the second half of a first-round game in the NCAA women's college basketball tournament Friday, March 18, 2022, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
"I hope every woman looks at us and says 'that's where we want to be. To represent HBCUs.'," said Grace. "We know that there's a talented pool of athletes and coaches and we hope that we get recognized on the same playing field as everyone else"
The Howard University women's basketball program has made the NCAA Tournament a total of six times. The Bison's last appearance in the NCAA Tournament was a loss to Iowa State in 2001.
RELATED: What local DMV teams are playing in the NCAA tournaments? Here's how to follow the action
Interview with Gatorade National Player of the Year, basketball star Kiki Rice | 2022-03-18T21:22:54Z | www.wusa9.com | Howard basketball vs South Carolina: NCAA Tournament first round | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/howard-basketball-vs-south-carolina-ncaa-tournament/65-31b99fb7-7cb4-4588-bfef-3be4b163d2fa | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/howard-basketball-vs-south-carolina-ncaa-tournament/65-31b99fb7-7cb4-4588-bfef-3be4b163d2fa |
Some states like Maryland have decided to try offering some relief at the pump by temporarily ending the gas tax. But that won't necessarily bring down prices.
MARYLAND, USA — Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed a bipartisan bill into law Friday to suspend Maryland's gas tax through April 16. It's a popular tactic that several states have floated to try to alleviate the sky-high prices at pumps across the country.
But here's the real question here—will it work?
Will a gas tax holiday automatically make a gallon of gas cheaper?
Clifford Winston, Senior Fellow of Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution
Ed Hirs, Energy Economics Professor, University of Houston
Mark Finley, Energy and Global Oil Fellow, Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
No, there is nothing in place that guarantees gas retailers will reduce their prices in the event of a gas tax holiday. Experts say gas may get cheaper for some consumers, but not significantly and not for everyone.
In a perfect world, a $0.36 reduction in gas prices would hit everyone equally. However, outside of a vacuum, it's not that simple.
"Who bears the tax and how it's passed on is not a straightforward issue," Winston said. "I think there's the expectation that some of the reduction in the federal gas tax would filter down a bit to consumers, but not all of it."
Gas taxes are most often levied at the refinery. That means for consumers to feel the effects of a gas tax holiday, distributors, retailers and everyone in between would need to join hands to reduce their prices at every level. And that's just not guaranteed.
"If everybody passed it along penny for penny, the consumer would benefit. But there's no mandatory behavior requirements here that are imposed upon the distributors and the retailers," Hirs explained.
RELATED: Find the lowest gas prices in the Washington, D.C. area
In Maryland's case, Comptroller Peter Franchot claims he's convinced every gas retailer in the state to pass on the tax break to consumers. However, it appears there is no legal requirement for them to do so.
On top of this complication are all the regular economic complications that come with gas prices—crude oil prices, distribution costs, the local supply of gas and even competition between local gas stations can keep pushing prices up and down despite a change in taxes. It's also possible that the idea of a tax cut drives up demand, which would drive prices right back up.
Global crude oil prices are the top indicator for the consumer cost of gas. As countries and companies cut ties with Russian oil and China enters another COVID-19 lockdown, the global market is bound to be a rollercoaster for the next several months.
"Events in Ukraine and elsewhere in the world are so volatile now that gas prices are jumping around," Edwards said. "Either way, motorists are likely to see high gas prices, at least for the rest of this year, over $3 a gallon. Unfortunately, there's no real good short-term relief here." | 2022-03-19T00:26:53Z | www.wusa9.com | Will Gas tax holiday make gas cheaper? Latest prices 2022 | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/gas-tax-holiday-does-not-guarantee-lower-gas-prices-fact-check-oil-ukraine-russia/65-98dff806-7d1c-4e59-8e04-85d8bdc7d95e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/gas-tax-holiday-does-not-guarantee-lower-gas-prices-fact-check-oil-ukraine-russia/65-98dff806-7d1c-4e59-8e04-85d8bdc7d95e |
Kiki Rice led Sidwell Friends School to a perfect season, 28-0. The UCLA-bound athlete was just named the country's best high school girls basketball player.
WASHINGTON — Kiki Rice admits she's not a big crier, but she couldn't help but let the emotions flow after she was named the best high school girls basketball player in the country.
On Thursday afternoon, Rice, a senior at Sidwell Friends School, was told she would be participating at a photo shoot at the school. Instead, she got the surprise of a lifetime.
"I don't cry a ton, but that was as close as I could get. I was just shocked!" Rice said.
WNBA superstar, Sue Bird, surprised Rice on Zoom who told the high school athlete, "Not only are the state Gatorade Player of the Year, but you're the National Player of the Year."
The award is a prestigious honor. Rice beat out nearly half a million other student athletes who play girls basketball nationwide.
Past Gatorade National Girls Basketball Players of the Year have combined for nine WNBA MVP awards, 53 All-Star appearances, 15 WNBA championships, 15 WNBA first round draft picks and two became Hall of Famers. Noteworthy past winners include Lisa Lesli, Candace Parker and Maya Moore.
"It's incredible, you know I look at the trophy and I see all the previous winners, and so many incredible players on that list and to be a member of that group and to follow in their footsteps, it means a lot to me," Rice said.
Highly regarded as the best high school girls’ basketball player in the country this season, Rice averaged nearly 16 points per game, with 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. She led Sidwell Friends School to a perfect, 28-0 season.
Best Day Ever 🏆 @Gatorade #GatoradePOY pic.twitter.com/idPz3TS5TN
— Kiki Rice (@kiki_rice0) March 18, 2022
"It's amazing to see everything you've set out for and worked for to come to fruition and I know this is a celebration of my incredible work. But also winning the Gatorade National Player of the Year, motivates me and I'm going to continue to achieve the goals that I have set for myself," Rice said.
Rice comes from an athletic family, and success on the court runs in her genes. Her mom, Andrea Rice, played tennis at Yale University; her father, John Rice, played basketball at Yale, where her brother, Teo, currently plays. Her cousin, Allen Houston is a former NBA All-Star. But Rice won't be following in her family's footsteps to Yale. Next season, the 6-foot guard will be suiting up for UCLA.
pic.twitter.com/IykOd2fdjM
— Kiki Rice (@kiki_rice0) March 5, 2022
"I chose UCLA because I believe it to be an incredible opportunity. The coaches there are amazing, and the players as well, so every day I'm going to be surrounded by an incredible group of coaches and players that are going to push me," Rice said.
Before graduation, Rice will have one more chance to play with her high school teammates. Sidwell will compete in the inaugural State Champions Invitational next month. | 2022-03-19T00:27:11Z | www.wusa9.com | Kiki Rice named Gatorade National Player of the Year | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/sidwell-basketball-star-named-gatorade-national-player-of-the-year-beating-out-half-a-million-high-school-athletes/65-56bb4b24-d46f-422a-904b-f9990b9beb3a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/sidwell-basketball-star-named-gatorade-national-player-of-the-year-beating-out-half-a-million-high-school-athletes/65-56bb4b24-d46f-422a-904b-f9990b9beb3a |
The cause and manner of death are undetermined at this time; preliminary evidence shows there is no indication of foul play, officials said.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — A woman who was missing since January was found dead on March 8 by US Park Police near the C&O Canal in Montgomery County Maryland.
On Thursday, Jan. 6, the United States Park Police went to an area of the C&O Canal called Lock #7 for a report of a missing woman.
Sibylle Zitko, 54, had last been seen in Bethesda around 6 a.m. on Jan. 6, 2022.
According to a Reuters report, Zitko was a native of Germany and a long-time legal adviser in the office of the EU Delegation to the United States in Washington.
Update: Advisor of EU Delegation to US found dead on 3/08 at the C&O Canal in the area of Lock #5 Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed the identity of the deceased as Mrs. Sibylle Zitko. Missing back in Jan, Prelim does not indicate foul play. @wusa9 https://t.co/xXB9mTUxZQ https://t.co/OPtReHUpFQ
On March 8, 2022, US Park Police were called to the C&O Canal in the area of Lock #5 for a possible deceased woman. The Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service was also sent to the area and was able to find Zitko's body, according to US Park Police.
Detectives from the United States Park Police Criminal Investigation Branch were able to reach out to her family after the Chief Medical Examiner of Maryland was able to confirm the woman's identity.
The cause of death is not known at this time; however, preliminarily there is no evidence that would indicate foul play, officials stated. There is no active or ongoing threat to the community.
The investigation into this case remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the death of Mrs. Sibylle Zitko is asked to call or Text the U.S. Park Police: (888) 361-3332 or (202) 379-4877. You may also submit a tip online via email to USPP_TIPline@nps.gov
RELATED: Information wanted on missing C&O Canal Park hiker | 2022-03-19T11:48:29Z | www.wusa9.com | Woman missing for 3 months found dead by C&O Canal | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/legal-adivsor-to-eu-delegation-missing-since-january-was-found-dead-near-co-canal/65-406ea0fc-57bb-4440-9281-fd54bc422c74 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/legal-adivsor-to-eu-delegation-missing-since-january-was-found-dead-near-co-canal/65-406ea0fc-57bb-4440-9281-fd54bc422c74 |
DC's wage gap between men and women remains significant
WASHINGTON — Thousands ran the HerStory 5K down Pennsylvania Avenue today, celebrating Women’s History Month.
Dawn Alexander of Southeast Washington made sure she and her friends wore pink tutus. She attended the event virtually last year.
“Personally I like fuchsia pink, and I just thought we’d look real cute if we got these tutus, that’s what we did so here we are,” she said.
“We’re all in our 50s and it’s inspiring [that] we as a people are getting together to focus on our health.”
Dressed up and finally with somewhere to go: The starting line for the Fit DC HerStory 5K, live and in-person, recognizing women’s history month.
Sesliegh Saucier says she and her daughter love being women in D.C.
“I think it’s an amazing city to live in I feel safe and supported and I’ve enjoyed my time here for the last two years,” she said.
However, the wage gap remains significant in D.C.
The National Women’s Law Center found that D.C. has the widest wage gap specifically for Black women, making 49 cents for every dollar that a white non-Hispanic man makes.
“We are creating jobs in D.C., we are the best city in the nation for women entrepreneurs and we’re constantly training our residents for good paying jobs,” said Mayor Bowser. “We had 10,000 people apply for 500 D.C. government jobs and we want to encourage people to keep looking and work with us.”
The Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives offers trainings to help women secure higher wages.
“We’re excited to partner to offer wage negotiation training for free for district women, because we know that the more women earn, the more their families can thrive,” said executive director Jennifer Porter.
Women focused on closing the gap and crossing the finish line, in every month including March.
RELATED: Howard women's basketball team heads to NCAA tourney | 2022-03-19T19:38:28Z | www.wusa9.com | Women run HerStory 5K and aim to close the wage gap in DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-herstory-5k-back-after-being-on-hold/65-324d90fc-a1a2-4290-884a-7e60e023b2bf | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-herstory-5k-back-after-being-on-hold/65-324d90fc-a1a2-4290-884a-7e60e023b2bf |
The carjacking occured on Feb. 20 on the 100 block of Tennessee Ave. in Northeast.
WASHINGTON — An arrest has been made for a carjacking offense that occurred on Feb. 20. The carjacking was on the 100 block of Tennessee Ave. in Northeast D.C.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department's Carjacking Task Force announced the arrest of a 14-year-old boy from Northeast D.C. The boy was charged with carjacking.
The Metropolitan Police Department is currently offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who gives information that can lead to an arrest or conviction of a person or people that are responsible for a violent crime in D.C., police said.
According to police, suspects approached the victim of the carjacking to at approximately 8:31 p.m. on Feb. 20. The victim was then assaulted by the suspects and the suspects fled the scene.
The victim's vehicle was recovered.
The case is still under investigation according to police. Police are asking anyone who has information for this case to call the police at 202-727-9099 or text to the police department's TEXT TIPLINE at 50411.
RELATED: 2 Prince George's County teens safely located after being missing for more than a week | 2022-03-19T19:38:34Z | www.wusa9.com | DC police arrest Northeast boy for carjacking | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-police-make-arrest-for-carjacking/65-829bf3ff-e98b-4d9b-be10-570008422843 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-police-make-arrest-for-carjacking/65-829bf3ff-e98b-4d9b-be10-570008422843 |
Rail, ferry service could ease potential commuting headaches if Commanders build its new stadium in Dumfries
A Prince William County Board Supervisor says "Dumfries is not the Dumfries you may remember."
DUMFRIES, Va. — Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey is a cheerleader for Prince William County and her hometown of Dumfries.
So, when she first heard about the potential for a new Washington Commanders stadium from County Economic Director Christina Winn during a closed session of the Board of Supervisors about a month ago, she took it seriously.
“It was just described to us that there is an opportunity for, this kind of opportunity to come to our community,” Bailey said. “But it wasn’t described in any details at all.”
Those details were later reported first by WUSA9: A 700,000-square-foot, 16-acre stadium surrounded by training facilities and team offices, a 14,000-seat amphitheater, hotels, residential, retail and nightlife.
That is exactly the kind of economic development Bailey told WUSA9 she is pushing for in the Potomac Shores community of Dumfries where the Commanders could potentially build their mini-city.
But out of all the potential sites the team and owner Daniel Snyder are considering, Dumfries is the furthest from the heart of the District. Thirty-five miles from downtown DC, Google Maps says it could take up to an hour and a half to drive to Dumfries during rush hour for a weeknight night game, and that’s not counting stadium traffic.
Bailey shrugged off critics who say a stadium in Dumfries would be too far.
“I say you’re missing out because Dumfries is not the Dumfries you may remember,” Bailey responded.
Bailey said the transportation issues will be helped by a Virginia Railway Express Stop, or VRE, just a stone throw from the stadium site. That VRE station is set to open later this year, and will provide rail service to Dumfries from Union Station, L’Enfant, Crystal City and Alexandria.
The county supervisor also said a boat ferry service on the Potomac River from Alexandria is well in the works. And Bailey said these projects are all planned to happen, with or without a without a football stadium. A project which would ultimately have to get the blessing of local elected leaders, whenever the team decides to build.
“I can’t make a final decision on the Commanders coming here,” Bailey said. “I think that has to come from the community.”
In a statement, Kenny Boddye, the Prince William Board Supervisor from Woodbridge, the second site under consideration in the county, had similar comments.
“While I am aware from media reports of the team’s interest in both the Occoquan and Potomac districts of Prince William County, I have not had any conversations with the Commanders regarding potential site locations for a stadium in Prince William County. Should the football team move forward with a proposal to locate in Prince William, I would weigh the project on its individual merits as information became available, to include input from community members” Boddye wrote.
The timeline for the Commanders to make a decision on where they will ultimately build remains unclear, as the team awaits final passage of a $1 billion stadium financing plan for Snyder by the Virginia General Assembly.
Snyder is also weighing a competing proposal from Maryland for the Prince George's County site. Although that package is not nearly as large as the one nearing approval in the Commonwealth.
The District is seemingly out of the running for the new stadium, a result of infighting about whether the RFK site in Southeast should be used for residential uses and land control issues which still have not been ironed out with the federal government.
Could Dumfries, Virginia be home to future Washington Commanders stadium? | 2022-03-19T21:24:32Z | www.wusa9.com | Prince William Supervisor supports Commanders stadium in Dumfries | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/washington-commanders-stadium-dumfries-virginia-dan-snyder/65-2dc4c1ee-fda2-4e14-acda-4f8840814ce3 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/washington-commanders-stadium-dumfries-virginia-dan-snyder/65-2dc4c1ee-fda2-4e14-acda-4f8840814ce3 |
The women's team fought hard against the Michigan Wolverines but came up short, 74-39 in the first round of the Wichita Regional
Author: Nick Boykin (WUSA9), Associated Press
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The American University women's basketball team fell to the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor on Saturday -- to -- in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
The Eagles made the tournament by winning the Patriot League conference tournament on March 13 with a victory over Bucknell University. A major highlight for the team after narrowly losing the regular-season conference championship to Holy Cross.
Coached by Megan Gebbia, American University finishes the season at 23-9 overall on the season. It's the fifth time in nine years that Gebbia has led her team to 20-plus wins during a season.
Naz Hillmon had 24 points and 11 rebounds to help third-seeded Michigan beat No. 14 seed American 74-39 in the Wichita Regional.
"We knew we would definitely have an advantage with our size inside and Naz being one of the best players in the country," said Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico. "Obviously, she's our go-to all the time, but we also knew that defensively, they were really going to pack it in the paint and try to limit those touches."
American forward Emily Johns (44) drives around Michigan forward Cameron Williams during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Saturday, March 19, 2022, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
American guard Jade Edwards (10) runs into the defense of Michigan guard Maddie Nolan (3) during the second half of a college basketball game in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Saturday, March 19, 2022, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan: The Wolverines got 23 points from their bench, highlighted by Brown's 11. It was Brown's first game since recovering from a lower-leg injury in late January. Brown will be central to Michigan's game planning for Villanova's motion offense.
"She can go, she can go," Barnes Arico said. "I tried to be really smart with Leigha, and just use her when we need to, but I'm expecting she's going to need a lot of minutes on Monday, and I knew that in the second half of the game, so I was really trying to be smart about her minutes in the second half."
American: Despite getting out to a solid start, the Eagles struggled with the physicality of Michigan's style of play. It put them a disadvantage throughout, said Stack.
"I think we expected it, but I don't think we expected it to be that physical, how hard they crashed the offensive boards," Stack said. "Before the game, Michigan had said they're the hardest working team in America, and I think they proved that on the offensive boards today. they were relentless." | 2022-03-20T00:52:04Z | www.wusa9.com | American Univeristy vs Michigan: NCAA Tournament game first round | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/american-univeristy-vs-michigan-ncaa-tournament-game/65-83b1092c-73f5-4a70-83cd-78402012e143 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/american-univeristy-vs-michigan-ncaa-tournament-game/65-83b1092c-73f5-4a70-83cd-78402012e143 |
The mother of the 24-year-old rapper is grief stricken. She told WUSA9, “He had a heart bigger than his body, when they took him, they took me.”
Author: Deirdre Byrne, Megan Rivers
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) is investigating a shooting that happened Friday in District Heights that left a rap artist from the DMV area dead.
Police identified the person killed in a statement as 24-year-old Markelle Morrow. WUSA9 confirmed with Morrow's family, that the District Heights native, known to fans as "Goonew," is a talented rap artist.
Officers found Goonew suffering from gunshot wounds around 5:45 p.m. Friday in a parking lot on the 2400 block of Walters Lane. He was taken to the hospital and was pronounced dead, a PGPD statement says.
WUSA9 spoke to Goonew's family Saturday about the impact the artist had on his family and the community.
It’s not real for them. That someone would shoot her son and their brother in the back. One shot that would ultimately kill Markelle Morrow, better known as GOONEW. Tonight at 11 on @wusa9 we hear from his family about the sudden & tragic loss. pic.twitter.com/wvrlvzBw1h
"I don't believe this," his mother, Patrice Parker Morrow said, looking at images of her late son. "I really don't. My baby's gone."
Parker Morrow was surrounded by her daughters, all of whom were grief-stricken.
“All he wanted to do is try to get his family out the hood,” Parker Morrow said. “He had a heart bigger than his body, when they took him, they took me.”
Goonew was killed blocks away from the neighborhood where he was born. His mother says he was killed when he was on his way to give his sister a birthday gift, but never made it.
“I heard ... screaming that Markelle got shot down the street and my daughter ran straight out and I couldn't move I this was shaking really bad my mouth starts shivering really bad," Parker Morrow said. "I just couldn't move for a long long time.”
Credit: Family of Markelle "Goonew" Morrow
Goonew, a successful rapper in the DMV area, was shot and killed in Prince George's County. He was 24-years-old.
In the parking lot where he was shot, a memorial sits. Goonew's mother says it was ultimately a bullet to the back that killed him.
“They wanted my son dead because he gave it up. They took his chain. They took his watch. He gave it up and they still shot him in his back,” Parker Morrow said.
The Washington Post described Goonew's artistry, saying the rapper "seemed to understand that time is not uniform, and he proved it with astonishing style, his nuanced flows becoming closely associated with the DMV, influencing rappers in neighboring Zip codes and overseas."
Goonew told Vice News in an interview he started rapping in 2017. He has an average of 35,500 monthly Spotify listeners, more than 158,000 Instagram followers, and three of his music videos respectively have about 1 million views on YouTube.
PGPD is still looking for anyone connected to Goonew's death and is offering a $25,000 reward for information that can possibly lead to an arrest or conviction.
Anyone with information about the shooting should call detectives at 301-516-2512. People can also call the Prince George's County Crime Solvers with anonymous tips at 1-866-411-8477.
Goonew's mother has a message for her son's killed.
“I forgive you," she said. They took my son, hope they got what they wanted.” | 2022-03-20T02:27:54Z | www.wusa9.com | Family mourns after DMV rapper Goonew killed in District Heights | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/i-dont-believe-this-dmv-rapper-goonew-fatally-shot-in-prince-georges-county-markelle-morrow/65-23fb1b55-773a-4eac-bdae-5c0dfc07e544 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/i-dont-believe-this-dmv-rapper-goonew-fatally-shot-in-prince-georges-county-markelle-morrow/65-23fb1b55-773a-4eac-bdae-5c0dfc07e544 |
Maryland group sends medical kits to help Ukrainians in need
The DC chapter of the Ukrainian Girl and Boy Scouts of Plast gathered at Westland Middle School in Bethesda to put together emergency medical kits on Saturday.
BETHESDA, Md. — As war continues to be waged in Ukraine, displacing millions of residents and leading to the destruction of homes and cities, volunteers in the DMV used Saturday to gather medical supplies and organize special kits to be sent to the country to help those in need.
The DC chapter of the Ukrainian Girl and Boy Scouts of Plast gathered at Westland Middle School in Bethesda to put together emergency medical kits (EMKs) that will be sent to eastern Europe and put in the hands of people close to conflict.
Chapter president Andrew Demidowich told WUSA 9 that the EMKs were a simple way to give potentially life-saving resources to people who could experience dangerous conditions.
"We know that during a time of war, certain medical equipment is in short supply," he said. "Hopefully, they never have to use it but God forbid a window gets blown out and somebody gets cut or some other horrible injury that they have at least some basic first aid kit measures.”
In total, Demidowich said volunteers put together more than 600 EMKs Saturday. Many of the items that were packed came from donation efforts at hospitals and nearby high schools.
The group plans to meet again next weekend in hopes of sending over even more supplies.
"This is kind of our small contribution that we can make not only tangibly but emotionally to support them and show them that we really care," he said. "It’s lightweight. It’s easy to transport. It doesn’t go bad and even if you don’t use it this week, you might need to use it in a month.”
Demidowich is a second-generation Ukrainian American whose grandparents were born in the country.
He still has some distant family members in Ukraine and his daughter attends a virtual Montessori school that is based in the capital city of Kyiv.
After seeing his daughter's teachers in positive spirits earlier this year, Demidowich told WUSA 9 that the war has brought plenty of concerns for them.
"The teachers were just doing singing and art classes a few weeks ago and now they’re telling stories where they’re hiding in bunkers," he said. "We still fear for their lives every day.”
Moving forward, Demidowich said he was looking forward to helping out even more Ukrainians as they continue to experience hardship in the face of war.
"This is kind of our small contribution that we can make," he said. "They’re in our prayers and in our hearts and in our minds.”
For more information on how to donate to Plast's EMK effort, visit this link.
RELATED: Russian exiles, Ukrainian immigrants work together at DC beer garden to help war victims | 2022-03-20T02:28:00Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland group puts together medical kits being sent to Ukraine | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/ukraine-plast-dc-volunteer-donation-medical-kit-community/65-2e0329d2-b53f-480d-814e-6b039760768c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/ukraine-plast-dc-volunteer-donation-medical-kit-community/65-2e0329d2-b53f-480d-814e-6b039760768c |
"It really doesn’t get much better than the game today,” Alex Evans, a UMD student said.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Editor's Note: The story above is from a previous story that aired on March 18.
Fans at Looney's Pub in College Park could be heard cheering, “Let’s go Maryland!”
If there's a place to be when watching Maryland women's basketball team play in their final home game, it’s Looney’s Pub.
Students and fans were decked out in gear to cheer on the home team.
“I’ve been to almost every single women's home game, and I’m really excited to see what they can do tonight,” Julia Terry said.
Terry is in her senior year at the University of Maryland. She and her friends, Lizzy Blake and Alex Evans, said they wouldn’t have missed this game.
“Just getting to see all the seniors in their last game at Xfinity center and such a big match up, March Madness, it really doesn’t get much better than the game today,” Evans said.
Especially with the return to in-person sporting events, “It’s been really cool this whole season to see the team in person and be more active as fan and to see them do so well,” Blake said.
Maryland’s women's team were the number four seed at the start of the game. Steven Frye, a UMD student, said the team never disappoints their fans.
“It’s good, I think it’s progressive for any women’s team to go as far as they can, especially if you haven’t been in it for this long, so it just shows their hard work and dedication as well so it’s good to come out and support them as well,” Frye said.
For life long fans and alumni like Kelechi Agbakwuru, it means so much to see the Terps compete.
"I feel like I’m always excited to watch the women play because I feel like they’re always competitive, they always have a chance to win the championship, and this year is no different. So, I’m really excited to see how far they take it and hopefully win the championship,” he said.
RELATED: Maryland ready to face Florida Gulf Coast's unique style
RELATED: Maryland women's basketball sharp in 102-71 rout of Delaware in NCAA 1st round | 2022-03-20T21:16:30Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland fans cheer women's team in final home game of season | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland-fans-womens-basketball-team-final-home-game-of-the-season/65-e7aba611-1313-460b-9094-ec3e8931dcd2 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland-fans-womens-basketball-team-final-home-game-of-the-season/65-e7aba611-1313-460b-9094-ec3e8931dcd2 |
Police say both men were taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.
WASHINGTON — Two men were shot early Monday morning and investigators are still searching for who is responsible.
Metropolitan Police Department officers were called to the 600 block of Edgewood Street Northeast around 1:45 a.m. after receiving 911 calls and reports from ShotSpotter.
When officers arrived on scene, they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds to their lower extremities, according to Fifth District Watch Commander Lt. John Sprague. Both victims were conscious and breathing when they were taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Police are still investigating what led up to the shooting and no arrests have been made.
MPD has not released any information about the possible suspect or suspects in this case.
Anyone who may have information should contact MPD at 202-727-9099 or text the department's tip line at 50411.
RELATED: Person shot during road rage incident in Prince George's County | 2022-03-21T09:19:13Z | www.wusa9.com | Two men shot in Northeast DC, police say | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/double-shooting-in-northeast-dc-police-investigating/65-e176d9bc-279c-4602-adac-a8615ae99004 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/double-shooting-in-northeast-dc-police-investigating/65-e176d9bc-279c-4602-adac-a8615ae99004 |
After two year's off, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is officially in full bloom.
Author: Deirdre Byrne, Matt Pusatory (WUSA9)
WASHINGTON — It's beginning to look a lot like cherry blossom season in D.C., especially after two years of virtual festivities because of COVID-19 precautions and closures.
With the start of spring on Sunday, the National Cherry Blossom Festival held its first opening ceremony celebration since 2019, kicking off the season at the Warner Theatre.
D.C. and federal leaders were in attendance to commemorate the big day, both virtually and in person.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who is serving as the honorary chair of the festival, delivered pre-recorded video remarks during the event.
“Since receiving them more than a century ago, Japan’s cherry trees have become so much more than a gift of diplomacy. Like the ”yuj ou” — or friendship—they represent, the roots of the cherry blossom trees have grown deep, and today, they are a part of who we are, adding to the unique and beautiful character of our capital. Today’s ceremony is just the beginning of this Festival and I hope you will continue to explore all that spring in [Washington, D.C.] has to offer,” Biden said.
Festival President Diana Mayhew also spoke of what the trees and blossoms symbolize on the 110th anniversary of the gift from Tokyo to D.C.
“The trees, a gesture of goodwill from Tokyo to Washington, DC, now more than ever serve as a reminder of the importance of unifying communities and sharing in the celebration of peace and international friendship. We are proud to continue to honor the roots and history of this Festival with tonight’s Opening Ceremony,” Mayhew said in a statement.
The opening ceremony celebration included samurai sword performers KAMUI, international musicians Keisho Ohno, and Toshihiro Yuta local performances by the Unstoppable Steppers and DJ Heat.
“The National Cherry Blossom Festival traces its history back to an act of friendship. That gift has blossomed into the amazing celebration that we are witnessing today,” said Ambassador Tomita in a statement. “The cherry blossoms have become a living symbol of the friendship between Japan and the United States. This spring, the continued renewal of the blossoms embodies our friendship and resilience.” | 2022-03-21T09:19:19Z | www.wusa9.com | The 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival is here | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/national-cherry-blossom-festival-2022-kicks-off/65-3706eb09-54c5-4a7b-8f03-187e3edcc22b | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/national-cherry-blossom-festival-2022-kicks-off/65-3706eb09-54c5-4a7b-8f03-187e3edcc22b |
Maryland State Police are searching for the vehicle involved, described as a red Kia Optima.
TEMPLE HILLS, Md. — Editor's note: The above video is from February 12, 2022.
Maryland State Police are investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash in Temple Hills.
Maryland State Police troopers were called to a report of a crash involving a pedestrian on Branch Avenue (Route 5) at Interstate 495 around 1:45 a.m. Monday. When troopers arrived on scene, they found a man had been hit by a car. The man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to troopers.
Investigators say the striking vehicle left the scene of the crash. That vehicle is described as a red Kia Optima.
The northbound lanes of Branch Avenue were closed early Monday while the crash is investigated. Maryland State Police crash reconstruction investigators were called to the scene.
Police have not yet identified the man killed in the crash.
Anyone with information about this case should contact Maryland State Police's Forestville Barrack at 301-568-8101.
RELATED: Pedestrian killed in Prince George's County hit-and-run crash
Activists to protest Montgomery County Schools Superintendent's proposal for the return of police officers in schools | 2022-03-21T09:19:25Z | www.wusa9.com | Man dead in fatal hit-and-run crash in Temple Hills | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/fatal-hit-and-run-crash-temple-hills/65-44f4f5c5-eeb9-4f4c-84e5-495d4b614c58 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/fatal-hit-and-run-crash-temple-hills/65-44f4f5c5-eeb9-4f4c-84e5-495d4b614c58 |
Eliza Parker, 16, was last seen at her house on Liden Lane in Silver Spring on Sunday, according to police.
SILVER SPRING, Md. — Editor's note: The above video is from an unrelated missing person case first aired on March 17, 2022.
A Silver Spring teen went missing from her home on Sunday and now police are asking for the public's help to locate her.
Eliza Parker, 16, is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds, according to police, who also confirm that she has brown hair and blue eyes.
She was last seen wearing a green hooded sweatshirt and black sweatpants. Police said that the department as well as her family are concerned for her safety.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 (24-hour line). Callers may remain anonymous.
2 charged in the death of missing Alexandria 20-year-old
Body of 17-year-old from Annapolis found after disappearing while swimming in Ocean City
DC mom with a son on the spectrum helps missing autistic 14-year-old safely return to his mother | 2022-03-21T10:57:56Z | www.wusa9.com | Police search for missing SIlver Spring 16-year-old | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-police-search-for-missing-silver-spring-teen/65-f844fa7f-34eb-4a41-aa29-02896c790559 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-police-search-for-missing-silver-spring-teen/65-f844fa7f-34eb-4a41-aa29-02896c790559 |
Hitachi Rail announced that they plan to build a $70 million factory in Washington County, Maryland in order to produce the new 8000-series Metro trains.
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Though Metro's 7000-series trains aren't expected to be back in service until at least April following an October derailment, the transit agency is moving forward with building the next installment of cars.
Hitachi Rail announced Monday that they plan to build a $70 million factory in Washington County, Maryland in order to produce the new 8000-series Metro trains. The 307,000-square-foot facility will be built on Greencastle Pike in Hagerstown.
Hitachi Rails has a $2.2 billion contract with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to build the 8000-series railcars, according to a statement from Gov. Larry Hogan’s office.
The new trains are anticipated to include new features. The 256 new cars will have additional options of up to 800 in the fleet. Hitachi Rails said in a statement that the base order of the new cars will “increase reliability, offer modern onboard technology and an improved passenger experience.”
The new 8000-series Metro trains will have:
The new trains will also be electric, according to Hitachi Rails. Each car will have 130 seats per pair of cars and Hitachi Rail said in a statement that the new trains “will be a major upgrade when they replace the 2000- and 3000-series, which have been in service since the early 1980s.”
Maryland officials say, this project will create 460 new full-time jobs and will “help sustain 1,300 jobs in the region.”
Preparing the land for construction of the factory is the next step in the process and is anticipated to be completed by the fall. Following this, construction of the factory will begin and is anticipated to be operational by the winter of 2023/2024, according to Hitachi Rails. | 2022-03-21T20:34:38Z | www.wusa9.com | Newest Metro cars to be built in Maryland, brings 500 new jobs | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/metro-8000-series-trains-built-maryland-factory-hagerstown/65-ec605c95-d179-4d2e-ae22-a646eaf92af6 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/metro-8000-series-trains-built-maryland-factory-hagerstown/65-ec605c95-d179-4d2e-ae22-a646eaf92af6 |
Using language more centric to fire crews, the program is currently being taught as part of the recruit training curriculum and certification courses.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Officials with the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department are assuring the public that in order to better serve them, fire personnel must also take care of themselves.
The agency is working to expand its "Mental Mayday" program across the department to help employees experiencing behavioral and mental health problems. Using language more centric to fire crews, the program is currently being taught as part of the recruit training curriculum and certification courses.
The goal is to provide firefighters access to professional help and identify and mitigate a behavioral health crisis for themselves or others in the department. The program uses the industrywide term "mayday," which calls for immediate help in case a firefighter is injured, trapped or missing.
"We really do need to come together as a group and make that call even if we're not 100% certain what the issue is," Lt. Adam Bartman said. "Stigma, rumors and culture are some of the biggest obstacles that we've been facing since the creation of the fire service. We're the fixers and we're the problem solvers, so we don't allow ourselves to acknowledge the fact that we are allowed to have problems as well."
More firefighters die by suicide than in the line of duty, according to a 2018 report by the Ruderman Family Foundation.
A 2019 survey of 4,900 first responders including firefighters in Virginia discovered a vast number of public safety workers are experiencing more depression and suicidal thoughts.
Since Bartman started Mental Mayday two years ago, he said anecdotally, more firefighters are seeking help or inquiring about it. The conversation has also changed which to him indicates less stigma surrounding mental help.
Bartman created Mental Mayday out of his own personal experience when he went to rehab for his behavioral health issues. An accident during a fire in 2018 made him question his role as a firefighter and father, which eventually affected his performance at work and interaction at home. It was his wife who pushed him to get help.
"She really did call my mayday," Bartman said. "I was having really an inability to control my behavior. I was getting angry at a lot of stuff that maybe didn't warrant getting angry."
Bartman tells his story as part of the presentation. While he came up with program, clinical therapists or behavioral health technicians address exactly why members are experiencing a crisis.
Other jurisdictions have recently witnessed the presentations and are considering partnering with Fairfax County Fire & Rescue or implementing their own.
Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) announced his co-sponsorship of the bipartisan Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act, which pushes for the federal government o collect data on first responder suicides and develop best practices for identifying and treating post-traumatic stress disorder and combating suicide among firefighters.
RELATED: DC officer who took his own life died in the line of duty, retirement board says
RELATED: Virginia House and Senate pass bills to help first responders with PTSD
Sheriff: Deputies shot woman officials say stabbed another woman and a 15-year-old girl | 2022-03-21T20:34:44Z | www.wusa9.com | Fairfax Fire & Rescue addressing behavioral, mental health issues | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/fairfax-county-fire-and-rescue-implementing-program-to-help-personnel-seek-mental-and-behavioral-health-help/65-6967735c-a359-42b9-b415-9049a768a6d4 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/fairfax-county-fire-and-rescue-implementing-program-to-help-personnel-seek-mental-and-behavioral-health-help/65-6967735c-a359-42b9-b415-9049a768a6d4 |
Montgomery County helps students, families learn warning signs for teen dating violence
RespectFest runs the entire week, with virtual events culminating in an in-person festival on Sunday, March 27 to educate families about dating abuse.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. — Montgomery County is working to shed light on teen dating violence – an issue too many teens experience and not enough discuss.
It’s something Montgomery County Public Schools alumnus Hannah Reid experienced at age 15.
“At the beginning, I was like, Oh, my partner is just protective over me, when in reality, it was turning into something much worse,” Reid said. “But when you're in it, a lot of times you don't see it. And eventually, it did turn into emotional, physical and sexual abuse over time.”
Reid said she didn’t realize it at the time, but she was exhibiting multiple warning signs, like hiding her phone from friends and family and getting easily startled when someone approached her.
“It just started with little things, little comments about what I wore, my clothes were too tight, who I was even hugging in the hallways,” she said.
Reid said thankfully she got out of the relationship after two years and has since graduated high school and college.
“It's determined what I want to do with my life,” she said. “I now want to be an advocate and help as many young people as I can.”
It’s something that a high amount of teenagers experience. According to the American Psychological Association, one in three adolescents experience dating abuse.
That’s why she’s joining the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s office for RespectFest, a week of virtual and in-person events aimed at educating families on teen dating violence.
This morning we're talking about an issue that far too many teens experience but not enough talk about -- teen dating violence.@MCSAONEWS is hosting RespectFest this week to educate & empower families.
Hear from this survivor on #GetUpDC at 6:30! @wusa9 @MontgomeryCoMD pic.twitter.com/30uD4dsvf5
“Like so many things that we do here, it's about education. It's not about locking people up,” Montgomery County State’s Attorney, John McCarthy said. “It's trying to with a little bit of education, prevent someone from ever being a victim, demanding respect. And hopefully, in the long run, they'll demand it.”
The goal is to be positive and educate on respect in the hopes that teen dating violence will not turn into adult domestic violence.
Chair of the county’s Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, Debbie Feinstein, said if a student thinks their friend is experiencing dating violence, they should approach them with love – not judgment.
“Really, the messaging is, ‘how can I help you? I am here for you, I'm going to stand beside you, I'm going to tell you what the resources are because I've learned what those resources are,’” Feinstein said. “Let's get you to a trusted adult, you know, and let's have this conversation out in the open, but you have nothing to be ashamed of; nothing is your fault.”
Reid agrees – saying as uncomfortable as that conversation can seem, adult intervention could help pull kids out of dangerous situations much sooner than they’re able to do on their own.
“Just remember to love yourself. We love everyone so much,” Reid said. “Give yourself the love that you're so willing to give everyone else.”
The county is hosting virtual events in English and Spanish through Thursday, with an in-person festival taking place at the Wheaton Recreational Center Sunday afternoon. | 2022-03-22T13:29:19Z | www.wusa9.com | Montgomery Co. hosts festival to prevent teen dating violence | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-montgomery-county-hosting-festival-to-prevent-teen-dating-violence/65-1c89a11f-4d9b-4c61-9fa5-65370bba9760 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-montgomery-county-hosting-festival-to-prevent-teen-dating-violence/65-1c89a11f-4d9b-4c61-9fa5-65370bba9760 |
Charles County man dies in brush fire
Fire investigators say the blaze was started by the victim burning debris.
Credit: Maryland State Fire Marshal
CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. — A man died in a brush fire he started to burn debris on his Charlotte Hall property, the office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal said.
The fire marshal's office, along with the Charles County Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Forest Service are still investigating the death. In a release, the fire marshal's office said the man was elderly, but did not offer more details about the man's identity.
Firefighters responded to 7730 Kent Drive in Charles County Sunday around 3 p.m. for a reported brush fire. When fire crews arrived, a neighbor told them that the man was in the fire and appeared to be deceased. Firefighters extinguished the fire involved brush and debris with extension to an outbuilding on the property, the fire marshal's office said in a press release. A dead man was found in the involved area.
Investigators concluded the fire originated in the rear of several outbuildings on the property and was caused by the victim burning debris, which, due to high wind conditions, extended from the area of origin to other flammable material and one of the outbuildings.
The victim was entangled in metal debris and could not escape the fast moving fire.
The victim was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner where he will be positively identified.
RELATED: Burtonsville fire displaces 20 senior living apartment residents Saturday, fire officials say | 2022-03-22T15:01:26Z | www.wusa9.com | Charles County brush fire leaves man dead | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/charles-county-fatal-brush-fire/65-54aaf1c6-55ac-4883-bc13-52f9e53f378e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/charles-county-fatal-brush-fire/65-54aaf1c6-55ac-4883-bc13-52f9e53f378e |
$50,000 reward offered for armed robbery of letter carrier in Alexandria
Officials say the two suspects should be considered armed and dangerous.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Editor's note: The above video is from June 2021.
United States Postal Service (USPS) officials are asking for the the public's help in finding two men they say are responsible for the armed robbery of a letter carrier in Alexandria, Virginia.
According to a release from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the robbery happened around 11:30 a.m. on March 7 in the 6800 block of Deer Run Drive.
Following the robbery, postal service officials say the two suspects left the scene in a black four-door sedan with no visible registration. It is believed to be a 2015-2017 Hyundai Sonata.
The suspects are thought to be between 18 and 25 years old. Both men war black hooded sweatshirts and black ski masks. They were last seen heading east on N. Kings Highway toward Interstate 495.
USPS is offering a $50,000 reward for information.
If you have any information about the incident, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 1-877-876-2455 (say "Law Enforcement") and reference case number 3687960.
This is not the first time USPS letter carriers have been the target of crime.
Earlier this month, the USPS offered a separate $50,000 reward for a string of robberies between November and January.
RELATED: $50k reward offered for information on USPS letter carrier robberies
In June 2021, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service offered a reward for two suspects they believe zip-tied, assaulted and then robbed a mail carrier D.C.
RELATED: $50K reward offered after USPS postal carrier zip-tied during robbery, officials say | 2022-03-22T16:29:47Z | www.wusa9.com | Alexandria postal worker victim of armed robbery | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/letter-carrier-armed-robbery-in-alexandria-virginia/65-35546b5f-664e-4aff-9fda-ed309a720a8e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/letter-carrier-armed-robbery-in-alexandria-virginia/65-35546b5f-664e-4aff-9fda-ed309a720a8e |
Top baby names predicted for 2022 in DC
Names.org released their top baby name predictions for this year based on statistics from the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau.
Credit: POND5
Author: Staff Great Day Washington
WASHINGTON — The staff of Names.org revealed their predictions for the top baby names for the District of Columbia in 2022. Their list is based on social security card applications and trends over the last 5 years. Here are their findings:
10 Most Popular Names for Boys in District of Columbia in 2022:
10 Most Popular Names for Girls in District of Columbia in 2022: | 2022-03-22T18:05:21Z | www.wusa9.com | Top baby names predicted for 2022 in DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/great-day-washington/top-baby-names-predicted-for-2022-in-dc/65-2f594403-de8b-41ab-90bf-15f28c60d547 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/great-day-washington/top-baby-names-predicted-for-2022-in-dc/65-2f594403-de8b-41ab-90bf-15f28c60d547 |
If you're trying to drive to get to, or past, the Tidal Basin in March and early April, you may be in for a traffic headache. Here are the areas you'll have to avoid
WASHINGTON — If you're heading to the National Cherry Blossom Festival after its two-year, virtual run, you should think twice about how you might get down there.
The festival kicked off on March 20 and runs through April 17 with a series of events.
If driving is your plan to get into or around the festival, it would be advantageous to reconsider your mode of transport, the National Park Service warns.
"Prepare for severe traffic congestion, extremely scarce parking and altered traffic patterns including road closures and temporary one-way roads," the agency stated on its website. They suggest parking at a Metro station and using public transportation to reach the National Mall to view the blossoms as an alternative.
In specific, the agency has announced that the following roads and interstates will be closed.
West Basin Drive SW, from Monday, March 14, 2022 at 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2022
Ohio Drive SW, between Inlet Bridge and the John Ericsson Memorial, will be one-way from Saturday, March 19, 2022, through Sunday, April 3, 2022.
The Tidal Basin Parking Lot will also face intermittent closures from 10 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2022, to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2022.
In addition, the back portion of Parking Lot C in East Potomac Park will be closed from Friday, March 18, 2022, at 10 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2022.
The agency says that public parking will be available daily at Parking Lots A and B and the front portion of Parking Lot C, as well as in East Potomac Park.
For other alternate routes on how to get to the festival, click here.
The coronavirus pandemic has dulled the usual vibrant celebration of D.C.'s cherry blossoms over the last two years. This year, however, the festivities are back to full strength. Here's everything you need to know about DC's 2022 cherry blossom season. | 2022-03-22T19:35:54Z | www.wusa9.com | Road closures for DC National Cherry Blossom festival | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-national-cherry-blossom-festival-road-closures/65-a838ee98-4255-4ffb-b991-57c9399aadb8 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-national-cherry-blossom-festival-road-closures/65-a838ee98-4255-4ffb-b991-57c9399aadb8 |
DC's iconic Air & Space Museum to close for six months
Largest renovation project in the museum's 45 year history is already well underway
WASHINGTON — We have seen amazing accomplishments and advancements in air and space travel over the last forty-five years.
The Concorde made its first commercial flight in 1976.
A Japan Air Lines Boeing 747 made the first non-stop flight between New York and Tokyo.
NASA's modified Boeing 747 SCA (Shuttle Carrier Aircraft) lifting off on its first flight.
There's also been considerable bravery and tragedy.
The Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum first opened its doors along D.C.'s National Mall in 1976. Curators and engineers have deemed its hallowed halls are due for an update. Laying eyes on the west-end exhibit space, visible to a WUSA9 crew as workers scurry back and forth through an open gate that's often closed.
"We can't go in without PPE and steel-toed shoes," says our guide.
18 February 1977. First flight of the Space Shuttle Enterprise atop a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) to measure structural loads and ground handling and braking characteristics of the mated system. pic.twitter.com/qrhwabTSzM
— Ron Eisele (@ron_eisele) February 17, 2020
It was just our luck to be there at that time and be able to peer in upon the space that the public hasn't seen since late 2018.
New exhibit signs adorn the ceilings.
The 'Spirit of St. Louis', one of the most famous aircraft in the world, sits alone in a large room donned in a protective wrap. It was the center of attention in 1927 after Charles Lindbergh became the first pilot to fly it solo across the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Paris.
It was the first plane with a solo pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927.
Charles Lindbergh piloted the ‘Spirit of St. Louis’ from New York to Paris in 33 hours.
It’s all wrapped up @airandspace until renovations end in Fall.
Get a look inside Tuesday on @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/oxmc1NsYp6
The museum is right in the middle of its biggest change since its doors opened in America's bicentennial anniversary year.
"We are really re-envisioning the entire museum. Transforming the building itself and revitalizing all the galleries," said Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp, Curator of the Museum's Social and Cultural History of Spaceflight and the Department Chair of the museum's Space History Department.
"You're really going to see a visible change. More diverse content about the people who made all of this stuff happen," she said.
Strolling through the Museum's 'Time and Navigation' gallery, the irony sinks in that its time is rapidly coming to a close.
"This is something people will want to come and see before we close at the end of March because this is all gonna go away," said Dr. Weitekamp. "We've really been thinking in new ways about new kinds of thematic exhibits we can do in the new space."
There's no final answer yet for what will occupy this second story space in the future.
"It's a wonderful process of working with colleagues to think about what are the many different kinds of stories we would want to tell and the really, frankly, painful process of trying to edit that down into what we can fit in a 5,000 square foot space," said Weitekamp.
The Museum in DC will reopen for three weekends this March before closing through the fall as a result of our ongoing renovation. That location will be open March 11 to 13, March 17 to 20, and March 24 to 27.
The Udvar-Hazy Center remains open every day.https://t.co/8phb2duccm pic.twitter.com/VvCk47gsjn
Getting rockets off the ground and into space is one thing. Moving them once they're a permanent museum exhibit is quite another. I figured it would put quite a stress on a museum curator who recognizes the irreplaceable value of our nation's manmade (and woman-made, of course) air and space treasures.
Not so for Weitekamp who has implicit trust in the crew that works with the museum's exhibits.
"Some of them (the exhibits) will be a protect in place. We'll just leave them in place and sometimes even build a bit of a room around them that protects them and allows them to do construction on the rest of the space," she said.
Many of the exhibits can be disassembled and brought out of the museum. Either moved to other Smithsonian locations or into storage.
Weitekamp and other museum officials are quick to point out that the Air & Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia remains open during the downtown location's renovation and features iconic exhibits including the Space Shuttle and the SR-71 'Blackbird'.
Did you know that you can walk around Space Shuttle Discovery on @GoogleArt?
Tour the Udvar-Hazy Center's space hangar with one of the hosts of our #AirSpacePodcast: https://t.co/2VIhl118s9 #MuseumFromHome pic.twitter.com/OcU9jYOvb0
"The purpose of this renovation really is to create the best environment we can for these historic objects," said Dr. Weitekamp. "There's new stuff that we want to be able to tell people about. Objects. People. Things like that. This is our chance to bring some of that fresh content."
Work began on the west side of the museum in 2018. The length of the entire renovation project was expected to last seven years.
You can see a detailed list and description of the eight new galleries scheduled to open in the museum's west-end exhibition space in the fall of 2022 by clicking HERE.
Work on the remaining exhibits and galleries in the museum's east-end space is not expected to be complete until 2025.
Some of the displayed items related to air and space content can be found in other Smithsonian museums, including several meteorites at the National Museum of Natural History, the Tomahawk cruise missile at the National Museum of the American Indian, the PT-13D Stearman Kaydet aircraft at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Huey helicopter at the National Museum of American History and the Goddard 1935 Series-A Rocket in the new "FUTURES" exhibition at the Arts and Industries Building.
Virtual content and additional information about the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum can be found HERE.
RELATED: 'Blacks in Wax' returns to DC with in-person performances | Get Uplifted
RELATED: Here's how the National Zoo is celebrating 50 years of giant pandas
COMMENTARY: Maury Povich is retiring from his daily talk show after 31 years | Mic Drop | 2022-03-22T22:39:04Z | www.wusa9.com | Air & Space Museum in DC to close for six months | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/open-mic/air-and-space-museum-closing/65-6aaf8c70-3ef9-4a43-ac64-6d36f128b34a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/entertainment/television/programs/open-mic/air-and-space-museum-closing/65-6aaf8c70-3ef9-4a43-ac64-6d36f128b34a |
Would you swim in the Potomac River in DC? Experts say it's safe
Experts say the Potomac River is now clean enough for swimmers
On the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Clean Water Act, advocates say the Potomac is now clean enough for safe swimming much of the time.
WASHINGTON — DMV leaders celebrated the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Clean Water Act Tuesday by hosting members of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, who said there has been so much progress that swimming is safe most of the time.
Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks called on the D.C. government to end its decades-long ban on swimming in the river.
"I think a lot of people still think that this river is not clean enough to swim, but we've been doing the testing for three straight years, every single week," Naujoks said. "And we're finding that there's plenty of days, and a lot of places more than 85% of the time, where it is safe to swim in this river. I swim in this river, my daughter swims in this river.”
D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton said she will encourage the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct studies on the possibility of reopening safe swimming zones on the Potomac and lifting the swimming ban, which has been in place since 1932.
The ban shut down a popular swimming beach that operated in the tidal basin. In the 1920s, thousands of residents flocked to the beach, which included a platform for diving. By the 1960s, industrial pollution and sewage had turned the river into what President Lyndon Johnson called "a national disgrace."
The passage of the U.S. Clean Water Act set strict controls on industrial pollution and required cities to upgrade sewage treatment systems.
The results on the Potomac have been dramatic, according to Naujoks.
On the banks of the Potomac at Fletcher’s Cove in Northwest DC river users expressed mixed opinions.
"Absolutely not! I’d never get into Potomac River," said fisherman James Kilpatrick who cited concerns about pollution and dangerous currents.
But paddle boarders and kayakers say they’ve witnessed change.
"It looks clean," said Oliver Olagario after he had just finished paddleboarding in the river. "I see biodiversity and a lot of fish."
"I'm hearing and seeing good things about the Potomac,” said kayaker Bob Marske.
For now, swimming events such as triathlons are allowed through individual permits that follow a process to determine if conditions are safe, according to a statement from D.C.'s Department of Energy and the Environment.
Today we’re celebrating the launch of our Clean Water Act (CWA) 50 campaign! For 5 decades, the CWA has protected our waterways, placing pollution limits on what companies could dump into our waterways and giving affected communities the power to enforce the law. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/kBnztTm1Bm
— PRK Network (@PotomacRiver) March 22, 2022
However, DOEE’s goal is to allow swimming in District waters, according to a statement.
"We are encouraged to see recent data indicating that the Potomac is often safe for swimming," DOEE wrote in a statement. "To remove the swimming ban, DOEE is taking steps to update our regulations and water quality standards to be consistent with EPA’s most recent science and recommended standards. This, combined with developing new monitoring and analytical tools, will allow the District to alert the public when the waters are unsafe for contact recreation, not unlike beach advisories that are used in coastal communities."
Drownings and safety remain a top concern of the U.S. Park Police, who continue to attempt to enforce the swimming ban while issuing annual warnings about treacherous currents and dangerous conditions.
Naujoks said he envisions a future that could include developed swimming beaches in locations like Hains Point and National Harbor.
New rockfish moratorium possible warns architect of ban that saved species 36 years ago
Extremely rare shortnose sturgeon caught in Potomac River excites biologists and fishermen
Volunteer trash cleanups on hold as banks of Potomac become overrun with junk | 2022-03-22T22:39:24Z | www.wusa9.com | Is it safe and clean to swim in the Potomac River | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/swim-potomac-river-safety-clean-water-act-50th-anniversary/65-e8e8a431-7170-4fa3-8f71-6a6e653f3094 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/tech/science/environment/swim-potomac-river-safety-clean-water-act-50th-anniversary/65-e8e8a431-7170-4fa3-8f71-6a6e653f3094 |
Maryland Dentist charged with second-degree murder
Maryland dentist charged with second-degree murder of girlfriend
The two became romantically involved around January 2020, according to police.
McCarthy says that based on the nature of the charges, which second-degree murder happens to be one of them, the commissioner has the authority to set a bond. | 2022-03-23T00:11:10Z | www.wusa9.com | Dentist in Maryland arrested for murder of girlfiend | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/dentist-in-maryland-arrested-for-murder-of-girlfriend/65-402cb0ff-ba05-4b95-8181-cad2e0a14c94 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/dentist-in-maryland-arrested-for-murder-of-girlfriend/65-402cb0ff-ba05-4b95-8181-cad2e0a14c94 |
In one day, the Choi family raised more than $20,000 for a possible reward.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — It’s been nearly four weeks since Hannah Choi went missing. She was last seen on March 5 at 7 a.m. at her home in the 5300 block of Jesmond Street in Alexandria, Virginia.
Despite her body not being found, or a suspect in custody, police are convinced they know what happened to her. Two arrest warrants have been issued for Choi's live-in ex-boyfriend, 27-year-old Joel Mosso Merino for second-degree murder and felony disposal of a body.
Fairfax County Police said they have compelling evidence 35-year-old Choi was killed by her former boyfriend in the home they lived in together before Merino disposed of her body in Piscataway Park in Prince George’s County.
“Detectives are working around the clock. We want to find Hannah and find her killer,” FCPD Major Crimes Cyber and Forensics Bureau Chief Ed O'Carroll said. “Our detectives are following up on leads because we're working this from two angles, to find Hannah to give closure to her family, but also find the killer responsible. We have active warrants for him. He is public enemy number one.”
While the hunt is on Hannah’s accused killer and her body, Choi’s family is desperate for answers.
“Not only was my sister's life taken away from our family through this act of violence, her remains also were taken from us in such a manner that we can't get any closure,” Minna Choi, Hannah Choi’s sister said. “We believe that we need to find him. We need to find who did this to my sister, we need to find out exactly what happened for us to even begin the healing process or to even begin getting a sense of closure."
To keep hope alive, the Choi family started a GoFundMe. More than $34,000 was raised in one day. Minna Choi said the money will go toward a reward and to a domestic violence and sexual assault charity
“It feels like there's really nothing that we can do as a family to on behalf of my sister, you know, to fight for her, to fight for her life, to fight for her means to you know, honor her,” Minna Choi said. “I think that's also a big reason why we started this campaign to give us a little hope and make us feel at least a little bit useful and productive in honoring her legacy.”
FCPD has not released details of an official reward, but an official said one will be forthcoming.
Meanwhile, searches are set to resume in the coming days for Hannah’s body as more digital data becomes available, allowing officers to better pinpoint cell phone locations.
“We're going go out there as soon as we can,” O’Carroll said. “We are watching the weather. We want it under ideal conditions so our search team can look. We use search and rescue dogs. We are deployed and have deployed our marine patrol to look up and down the Potomac. We're dedicated we're going to use all resources, all personnel to get closure to this case.”
Merino has not been since cameras captured him in the Atlanta area. Officials said that have not ruled out that he may have left the United States.
Credit: Fairfax County Police Department | 2022-03-23T07:45:50Z | www.wusa9.com | Family pleads for answers as search continues for missing woman | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/search-continues-for-hannah-choi-and-her-killer/65-414a718b-be00-4756-a7f2-158b6084b4c8 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/search-continues-for-hannah-choi-and-her-killer/65-414a718b-be00-4756-a7f2-158b6084b4c8 |
A citizen's arrest is an arrest made by a private citizen, not a police officer or other law enforcement.
WASHINGTON — Editor's note: The above video is from March 6, 2022.
Members of a trucker convoy in D.C. have been recorded talking about issuing citizen's arrests against officers and other drivers, a leader of one group later said the idea of the citizen's arrests was posed as a question regarding the constitutionality of the road blockades by the Metropolitan Police Department and is not a goal of the convoy.
But what exactly is a citizen's arrest and when is it legal?
According to the Cornell Law School, a citizen's arrest is an arrest made by a private citizen, not a police officer or other law enforcement.
The answer to when it is legal to conduct a citizen's arrest differs depending on which state you are in.
According to the Code of the District of Columbia § 23–582, a citizen's arrest can only be made by a private person who has probable cause to believe the person being arrested is committing a felony or in aid of an officer or special policeman, or other person authorized by law to make an arrest.
When a citizen's arrest happens, the private person must deliver the person arrested to a law enforcement officer without "unreasonable delay."
WATCH NEXT: Digging deeper into citizen's arrests (Oct 24, 2017) | 2022-03-23T09:17:11Z | www.wusa9.com | Citizen's Arrest: When it is legal in DC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/citizens-arrest-what-is-it-when-is-it-legal/65-0a5cea96-4b4d-4cba-894e-61504194808f | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/citizens-arrest-what-is-it-when-is-it-legal/65-0a5cea96-4b4d-4cba-894e-61504194808f |
Crude oil makes up the largest percentage of the cost of a gallon, but its not the only thing you are paying for at the pump.
WASHINGTON — Gas prices continue to hover at near-record highs. The state of Maryland has already taken a gas tax holiday. Virginia is looking at one as well.
Beyond the gas tax, there are several other items priced into that gallon you buy, but the big-ticket part is cost of crude oil.
RELATED: Gas prices plummet as Hogan signs bipartisan bill to suspend gas tax
What factors make up the price of a gallon of gas?
Ed Hirs, Energy Economics Professor at the University of Houston
Mark Finley, Energy and Global Oil Fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
A gallon of gas breaks down into several costs: price of crude oil, taxes, the cost of refining and the cost of distribution and marketing.
“The biggest single factor that drives changes in prices of gasoline is a change in the price of crude oil,” Mark Finley said. “And the price of crude oil is not controlled by the companies. It's set in a global marketplace as a result of global trends in demand and supply.”
“A little more than half of the price of the gasoline relates to the price of crude oil,” Ed Hirs said. “Now, of course, that percentage has been up a little bit here recently, as much as two-thirds of it.”
RELATED: No, a gas tax holiday does not guarantee lower gas prices
The EIA has those percentages broken down on its website. As of February 2022:
Crude oil makes up about 61% of that total price.
Oil refining makes up 14%.
Taxes 14%.
Distribution & marketing round out that last 11%.
This is all for the average gallon of gas in the US. But gas stations set their own prices, so it’ll vary from station to station.
How much does the gas station make off that gallon gas?
Our experts said it’s a lot less than you imagine. On average, gas stations make about 5 cents per gallon of gas sold. | 2022-03-23T12:21:09Z | www.wusa9.com | What are the costs in a gallon of gas? | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/what-do-you-pay-for-when-you-get-a-gallon-of-gas-not-just-gas-tax-but-also-crude-oil/65-7b919f8e-3183-488f-bdc1-83d948db00b0 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/what-do-you-pay-for-when-you-get-a-gallon-of-gas-not-just-gas-tax-but-also-crude-oil/65-7b919f8e-3183-488f-bdc1-83d948db00b0 |
The tractor-trailer overturned after losing control and colliding with a guardrail, Virginia State Police said.
STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — A tractor-trailer driver was hospitalized with serious injuries after he drive his truck off the road and crashed along Interstate 95 Wednesday morning.
Virginia State Police responded to a single-vehicle crash at mile marker 135 on I-95 just after 8:30 p.m. in Stafford County.
A preliminary investigation found that the tractor-trailer was headed southbound on I-95 when it ran off the road and collided with a guard rail. The impact caused the tractor-trailer to overturn and catch fire.
I-95 southbound was shutdown for the crash investigation but has since reopened.
Virginia State Police have not released any information about the driver's identity. Police have not determined what caused the driver to lose control.
RELATED: Three cars involved in fatal crash closes portion of Clara Barton Parkway | 2022-03-23T15:24:00Z | www.wusa9.com | Driver hurt in fiery tractor-trailer crash | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/driver-hurt-in-overturned-tractor-trailer-crash/65-91a1c0d4-8ce4-434a-94dd-5901f74d3a00 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/driver-hurt-in-overturned-tractor-trailer-crash/65-91a1c0d4-8ce4-434a-94dd-5901f74d3a00 |
Northern Virginia leaders team up for Ukrainian aid effort
Northern Virginia leaders launch clothing drive for Ukraine refugees
Leaders from across the region are working together to send help to those who need it following Russia's invasion of Ukraine
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Several leaders from across Northern Virginia announced a plan to gather needed clothing and supplies for Ukrainian refugees.
Starting on March 23, residents and businesses from around the region can donate new and gently used coats, and new blankets, socks and gloves for refugees from Ukraine who have had to abandon their homes due to the Russian invasion. There are a total of 34 drop-off locations throughout Northern Virginia. Donations can be made until April 15.
RELATED: DC woman organizing air lift to bring medical supplies to Ukraine
"We are all coming together as a region because we are all horrified at what’s going on in Ukraine right now," said Arlington Supervisor Libby Garvey at a press event Wednesday. "We all feel like we have to do something."
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees more than 3 million residents of Ukraine have fled their country due to the Russian invasion. More than 2 million have arrived in neighboring Poland.
Leaders from Fairfax, Arlington, Manassas, Falls Church and elsewhere in Northern Virginia spoke about the importance of the clothing drive.
"Thoughts and prayers are great and needed, but putting actions behind those thoughts and prayers, that's where we show up best," said Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger.
Officials said they are working with Church of Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints and a North Carolina shipping company to ship the items at no cost.
RELATED: DC chefs host fundraiser dinner for World Central Kitchen
In the past the residents and businesses of Northern Virginia have been generous to those people in need. In 2013 the region donated nearly 14 tons of blankets and coats to Syrian refugees who fled to Turkey as the result of violence in their home country.
For more information and to find a drop-off location, click here. | 2022-03-23T15:24:06Z | www.wusa9.com | Northern Virginia leaders team up for Ukraine aid effort | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/northern-virginia-ukraine-clothing-drive/65-b2c32b89-4029-471e-a9d9-5b5e57217bdc | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/northern-virginia-ukraine-clothing-drive/65-b2c32b89-4029-471e-a9d9-5b5e57217bdc |
Police say Emely Constanza Duran was last seen Tuesday, March 22, 2022.
ROCKVILLE, Md. — Montgomery County Police are asking for the public's help finding a missing 12-year-old girl from Rockville, Maryland.
Detectives say Emely Constanza Duran was last seen on Tuesday, March 22, in the 14600 block of Bauer Drive.
Police say Duran is described as 5 feet 2 inches tall and 110 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a red tank top, black jacket and blue jeans.
Police and family are concerned for her welfare. Police have not released any additional information about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Emely Constanza Duran is asked to call the Montgomery County Police SVID at (240) 773- 5400 or the police non-emergency number at (301) 279- 8000. Callers may remain anonymous. | 2022-03-23T16:57:45Z | www.wusa9.com | Police search for missing 12-year-old girl | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/missing/missing-12-year-old-rockville-girl/65-c1f0b7e8-03fb-4504-803c-f6e8a87387c7 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/missing/missing-12-year-old-rockville-girl/65-c1f0b7e8-03fb-4504-803c-f6e8a87387c7 |
In a letter, Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow says allegations against Dr. Scott Ziegler are under review.
ASHBURN, Va. — Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow said her office is reviewing allegations against the Loudoun County Public Schools superintendent.
The parent group "Fight for Schools" released a March 15 letter from Balow responding to their request to remove Superintendent Scott Ziegler. The group called Ziegler a "liability to the safety of Loudoun County children" and claimed he "repeatedly and blatantly misled the public" following the handling of two high-profile sexual assault cases involving the same student.
"Please know the issues raised in the letter, as with any allegation of misconduct raised against any superintendent, are concerning and are being reviewed in detail," Balow said in the letter to Fight for Schools.
Ziegler said Balow's office has not contacted him about the matter.
"LCPS has responded to concerns in a way that balances the community's need for transparency with our requirement to maintain student confidentiality," Ziegler said in a statement. "We will continue to focus on our students and make their education our highest priority."
Balow was recently appointed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who has also demanded that Ziegler resign over the sexual assault incidents and accused him of covering them up. The 15-year-old in both cases was found guilty and sentenced to supervised probation.
Just hours after he was sworn into office, Youngkin signed an executive action requesting Attorney General Jason Miyares conduct a full investigation of the Loudoun County Public Schools system. A spokesperson for Miyares said the investigation is ongoing.
In February, Ziegler was under fire by a Loudoun County supervisor when he asked the district to release an independent report on the sexual assault cases before he can support the budget request.
Loudoun County Public Schools stated in January that it would not publicly release the report due to privacy concerns.
Per Virginia law, a superintendent may be assessed a reasonable fine, suspended from office for a limited period or removed from office by either the Board of Education, upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Public Instruction or the school board of the division for sufficient cause. A division superintendent may appeal to the appropriate circuit court.
RELATED: No, Loudoun County Public Schools are not arresting maskless students | 2022-03-23T21:31:51Z | www.wusa9.com | VA superintendent reviewing allegations against Dr. Scott Ziegler | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-superintendent-public-instruction-says-allegations-against-lcps-superintendent-are-under-review/65-d0054bad-34d1-449a-9d7b-e9c254187795 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-superintendent-public-instruction-says-allegations-against-lcps-superintendent-are-under-review/65-d0054bad-34d1-449a-9d7b-e9c254187795 |
A bill to rename the Maryland Route 210 Piscataway Highway is gaining momentum
FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — Editor's Note: The video above was published on Nov. 11, 2021
A decades-long effort to change the name of Indian Head Highway in Maryland appears to be gaining momentum as a bill moves its way through the Maryland General Assembly.
Legislators say a petition that is gaining steam is helping them push the issue forward.
"We are elated with the movement of this bill, but saddened that we have had to do so much to change a name on our own ancestral lands," said Jesse James Swann, Chief of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe.
The tribe was recognized by the State of Maryland in 2013.
The Piscataway people were encountered by English Captian John Smith during his first exploration of the Chesapeake Bay nearly 420 years ago, according to historians.
The Piscataway people were living in a large settlement on the Potomac River at the mouth of Piscataway Creek, according to the National Park Service.
National Park Service (NPS) maintains a historical park and farm at the site in Prince George's County.
The tribe was scattered by disease and conflict with colonists and other tribes, according to scholars. But many descendants remain in Southern Maryland, according to the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs.
Descendants of the Piscataway people say the name Indian Head Highway is derogatory toward all native people and should be changed to Piscataway Highway.
Southern Maryland Legislator Jay Walker testified during a virtual hearing on a bill on March 11.
“The term Indian Head was used a time when it was legal to kill native Americans, take their body parts and sell them,” Walker said.
The bill received approval from the House Environment and Transportation Committee and is now in Maryland's Senate for consideration.
RELATED: 'Victim of discrimination' | Piscataway Conoy Tribe push for name change of Indian Head city, highway
The history of the name is not settled. Descendants claim it comes from a colonial time when the heads of executed natives were displayed along roads to intimidate others.
However, the official history of the town of Indian Head, which lies at the end of the highway, says the name is short for the geographic headlands along the Potomac there where Native Americans camped.
The bill only addresses the name of the highway, not the town.
However, the Piscataway Conoy Tribe is also advocating for the town and the nearby naval base to discard the name Indian Head as well.
WATCH NEXT: COMMENTARY: The history and celebration of Native American Heritage Month | Mic Drop | 2022-03-23T23:00:28Z | www.wusa9.com | Piscataway Conoy tribe fights to change name of Maryland highway | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/piscataway-conoy-tribe-indian-head-highway-name-should-be-changed/65-3249396e-5c1d-45e8-abd7-3ac0e6b9c53c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/piscataway-conoy-tribe-indian-head-highway-name-should-be-changed/65-3249396e-5c1d-45e8-abd7-3ac0e6b9c53c |
U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden criticized the Justice Department for what he called a "disproportionate" recommendation of 75 days in jail.
WASHINGTON — A Texas florist who bragged about storming the Capitol on Jan. 6 and promised to join in "the next one" will pay a large fine and serve a short probationary sentence — avoiding the jail time prosecutors argued she deserved.
Jenny Cudd, of Midland, Texas, appeared before U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden for sentencing Wednesday on one Class "A" misdemeanor count of entering and remaining in a restricted building. After hearing arguments from the prosecution and Cudd's attorney, McFadden sentenced her to pay a $5,000 fine and serve two months of probation. She was also required to pay $500 in restitution, which her attorney said she had already done.
Prosecutors had asked McFadden to sentence Cudd to 75 days in jail, a year of supervised release and 60 hours of community service. Assistant U.S. attorney Laura Hill said Cudd prepared for violence on Jan. 6 by wearing a bulletproof sweatshirt, engaged in a self-described push against law enforcement and celebrated property destruction after leaving the Capitol. She also pointed to her apparent lack of remorse for her role in the riot, as evidenced by repeated statements since Jan. 6.
In Facebook posts on January 6, Cudd said she joined other rioters who “pushed, pushed and pushed” their way into the Capitol after she heard former Vice President Mike Pence was not going to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election. In an interview with WUSA9’s sister station NewsWest 9 two days after the riot, Cudd again said that “we the patriots did storm the U.S. Capitol” and that, “Yes, I would absolutely do it again.”
“Hell yes I am proud of my actions,” Cudd said in another video, posted to Facebook.
In yet another video, Cudd said, “I’m proud of everything that I was a part of today. And I’ll be proud of everything that I’m a part of at the next one.”
In a motion filed Tuesday, prosecutors also argued Cudd may have “repudiated” her plea agreement during a presentencing interview when she told a probation officer she did not realize she was breaking the law when she entered the Capitol. They said that flies in the face Cudd’s guilty plea to knowingly entering a restricted area without authority to do so on Jan. 6.
Prosecutors say Cudd, in her presentencing interview and her sentencing memo, claimed she didn't know it was illegal to enter the Capitol. That's a necessary element for the offense she pleaded guilty to.
Her attorney says they're being "malicious" and should be sanctioned. pic.twitter.com/2mGbGJ0kOn
Cudd's attorney, Marina Medvin, accused the DOJ of "gamesmanship" and suggested prosecutors were recommending jail time not because of her individual actions, but because of her political views. She dismissed Cudd's social media statements as "drunken tirades" and repeatedly drew comparisons to how federal prosecutors have charged, or not charged, protestors in Portland and during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. McFadden was the right audience for those arguments, having repeatedly made the same comparisons himself during other hearings in Capitol riot cases.
Before delivering his sentence, McFadden said he didn't believe in "aggregate justice" and that he found the DOJ's sentencing recommendation for Cudd "disproportionate" from others with similar conduct.
"It does feel like the government had had two different standards here, and I can't abide by that," he said.
Cudd herself delivered a short statement promising to continue to fight for "free, fair and transparent elections" and saying she'd suffered financial and social consequences from her arrest, including threats against her and her business. She also expressed regret — that the challenge to certification of electoral votes on Jan. 6 was disrupted.
"I believe we would have a very different country if that debate process had not been interrupted that day," Cudd said.
Cudd’s unapologetic public statements – and a February request to go on a vacation in Mexico, which U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden granted – made her one of the more recognizable early defendants in the Capitol riot investigation despite a lack of any allegations she engaged in violence. In March, Medvin argued the publicity around Cudd and other Capitol riot defendants, along with, she claimed, D.C.’s culture of “canceling” conservatives, warranted a change of venue. McFadden denied that motion.
In July, Cudd’s co-defendant, Eliel Rosa – a Texas civics teacher who traveled with her to D.C. on January 6 – pleaded guilty to a Class “B” misdemeanor counting of parading, demonstrating or picketing. He was sentenced on Tuesday to 12 months of probation, and, as an asylee in the U.S., could face additional hurdles as a result of his conviction if he chooses to pursue citizenship. | 2022-03-23T23:00:34Z | www.wusa9.com | Jenny Cudd sentenced to 2 months probation, $5k fine | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/jenny-cudd-the-texas-florist-who-wanted-a-revolution-on-jan-6-sentenced-to-2-months-probation-midland-trump-marina-medvin/65-9fee23ff-84ef-4b4b-b263-82a3685a1f6e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/jenny-cudd-the-texas-florist-who-wanted-a-revolution-on-jan-6-sentenced-to-2-months-probation-midland-trump-marina-medvin/65-9fee23ff-84ef-4b4b-b263-82a3685a1f6e |
Villanova will face Michigan in the south region sweet-sixteen of the NCAA tournament on Thursday
WASHINGTON — Hunter Dickinson and Justin Moore have been playing basketball together since fifth and sixth grade. But on Thursday, they'll be opponents for the first time.
Moore is currently a Junior at Villanova and Dickinson is a sophomore at Michigan. The two teams will compete in the Sweet 16 of this year's NCAA tournament.
"It's going to be real weird and awkward," Moore said. "He wasn't just my teammate. He's also a good friend of mine."
Dickinson and Moore played together at DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, winning a WCAC championship in 2018. The former high school teammates have joked about what the moment will feel like to take the court as competitors.
"It's going to be funny for me," Dickinson said. "I might say something and he may say something back."
But Moore disagreed.
"I'm not trying to say nothing to him before the game," Moore said. "Leave me alone. I don't want to talk to him."
RELATED: NBA Champion and DC native Quinn Cook releases his first children's book
Michigan, an 11 seed, has proven many wrong by winning their first two games in Indianapolis. The Wolverines upset 6 seed Colorado State and 3 seed Tennessee to advance to their fifth straight Sweet 16. They're looking to reach the Elite Eight for a second consecutive season.
Villanova had no issue defeating Delaware and Ohio State in Pittsburgh. The Wildcats won the regular season Big East title.
RELATED: Maryland heading to NCAA Sweet 16 after defeating Florida Gulf Coast
Villanova and Michigan are facing each other for the first time since the 2016 National Championship game. The game will feature five total players from the DMV. Former Paul VI star Brandon Slater plays for Villanova. while former Gonzaga College High School star Terrance Williams III plays for Michigan.
How President Teddy Roosevelt helped save football | 2022-03-24T00:30:31Z | www.wusa9.com | Former DeMatha basketball teammates compete in Sweet 16 | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/college/dematha-high-school-teammates-compete-in-sweet-16-ncaa/65-9dd7f134-f3be-48a8-9eaa-0b3ebe5c6bf0 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/college/dematha-high-school-teammates-compete-in-sweet-16-ncaa/65-9dd7f134-f3be-48a8-9eaa-0b3ebe5c6bf0 |
'People need help in situations like this' | Maryland teacher organizes donation effort for family of student in Ukraine
John Broadwater was introduced to five-year-old Milan through Outschool virtual classes after the pandemic began.
MARYLAND, USA — After teaching English lessons to a five-year-old boy in Ukraine for the last two years, a teacher in Maryland has set out to try and help the boy's family get back on their feet after they fled the country because of war.
John Broadwater was introduced to five-year-old Milan through Outschool virtual classes after the COVID pandemic began. During his time teaching Milan, Broadwater has developed a connection with his family.
"He’s an upbeat kid. He loves to learn. He loves puppets. He enjoys talking," said Broadwater.
However, like millions of other Ukrainians last month, Milan and his family had their lives disrupted and put close to danger as Russian forces invaded the country. Broadwater told WUSA9 that updates from the boy's mother described the harsh conditions facing the family.
"She said that on the morning of the first attacks, they were woken up by the bombings," he said. "They had to flee. They slept in a subway at least for a night, maybe two nights.”
Pictures taken by the family show them huddled with other Ukrainians as they sought shelter underground to protect themselves from attacks. In one cell phone video, Milan speaks about wanting to go back home and play with his friends.
"It’s very surreal talking to Milan’s mother and Milan. It’s hard to believe something like this could ever happen," Broadwater said. "The first few days were the worst for them.”
A month later, conditions have greatly improved for the family. After first traveling to Romania, they now find themselves in Denmark far from war.
Now, Broadwater has organized an effort to help the family keep getting back on their feet. Earlier this month, he set up a GoFundMe donation page that will raise money for the mother and children.
"We're raising funds to cover their cost of living, transportation, food, anything they might need," he said.
As of Wednesday evening, the donation effort had raised more than $1,400.
For Broadwater, seeing the impact of war on Milan's family helped show him the importance of helping others in need.
"It helped me to realize that people do need help in situations like this and other cases," he said. "It’s helped to bring attention to my mindset of others in need, not just this cause.”
For more information on how to donate, visit this link.
RELATED: Northern Virginia residents can drop off clothes, coats for Ukraine refugees at these 34 locations | 2022-03-24T03:33:10Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland teacher helps family of student in Ukraine | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/teacher-student-ukraine-war-school-outschool-donation-help/65-0b04fa11-69be-4920-919c-5a178383eb10 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/teacher-student-ukraine-war-school-outschool-donation-help/65-0b04fa11-69be-4920-919c-5a178383eb10 |
How you can participate in a one-time, 10-minute survey to help researchers understand long COVID.
Author: Matt Gregory, Erin Spaht, Ruth Morton
BALTIMORE — Most people who have the coronavirus recover in a couple of weeks but some, even those with mild cases, continue to have symptoms for weeks or even months later.
But recent studies indicate that about 10% of people infected with COVID-19 will experience long-haul symptoms.
But what exactly are those symptoms, how are they being treated and who is helping these "long-haulers"?
It's having continued or new symptoms two to three months past your initial COVID-19 infection.
Dr. Priva Duggal, Epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
When you meet Ashley Williams, the term active feels like an understatement.
She's spent the last few years launching a tech start-up called Clymb. It uses software to teach children emotional intelligence and resilience.
"It was just an issue close to my heart," Williams said. "You know, I love those kids. I love young people. So, at some point, I resigned from my job. And I said, you know, I've got to figure this out."
Ironically, emotional intelligence was a skill set she put to the test in March 2020.
"I'm living my life and then all of a sudden I can't get out of the bed,” she said.
The world had just heard about a virus first discovered a world away and Williams developed peculiar and severe symptoms.
"I didn't want to get out of bed. I just felt not well, I didn't have a fever. I had some digestive issues, a really bad headache and it sort of spiraled," Williams said.
Her family took her to Johns Hopkins Hospital. It's one of the few places in early 2020 that could test for COVID-19.
"I found out that I had this virus and it was like a really big deal," she said. "At the time, you could, when people were going into the emergency rooms, they were not necessarily leaving out of them."
Williams went home to start her recovery and eventually tested negative but something wasn't right.
“I was chronically lethargic. I had incredible, incredibly bad brain fog, you know, just difficult," she explained. "My body would be wracked with physical pain, I would have pain that was sort of radiate through my legs and my fingers, my joints ate. Sometimes if I ate, just I would vomit, or I would get ill."
Ashley experienced what doctors now refer to as long COVID.
The World Health Organization defines long COVID as a condition that “occurs in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually three months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.”
The CDC agrees and says most people commonly report experiencing different combinations of the following symptoms:
Difficulty thinking or concentrating aka "brain fog”
Dr. Priva Duggal is an Epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
For the last two years, like the rest of the research science community, she and her colleagues have studied COVID and agree the most commons symptom is fatigue.
"Early on, we also started to see people reporting symptoms that were long-term," Duggal said. "So that was another question, are there a lot of people really having long-term symptoms? Can we try to answer some of those questions? Can we get at it?"
That’s when they came up with the idea to do the Johns Hopkins COVID Long Study. Participation includes a one-time, 10-15 minute survey. It's a simple online-based questionnaire that anyone can take.
A new year! And Covid is still with us...
If you have had COVID (recently or not so recently), participate in our 10-15 minute survey.
Please share. https://t.co/OMHTu1qdg0
— Johns Hopkins COVID Long Study (@covidlongstudy) January 4, 2022
Duggal said their goal is to get 25,000 people to participate so they have a broader idea of what COVID long haulers experience.
Williams says after seeing her doctors, she found out she developed Celiac disease, moderate asthma and fibromyalgia.
"So long term, we hope to be able to provide some insight as to what's actually happening. If we can get understand the mechanism, then we can target it for treatment, we can target it for therapies," she said. "I saw a study that said about a third of people who get COVID end up having long haulers, that's not a small number of people."
Despite the symptoms, Williams says she is back on track, working tirelessly on her emotional health care startup.
"My hope is that through the participation of the study, that information comes forward that can help that third of people, so people won't have to suffer in the way that I suffered," Williams explained.
VERIFY: Yes, the unvaccinated make up the majority of COVID hospitalizations
Download the brand-new WUSA9 app here. | 2022-03-24T11:10:12Z | www.wusa9.com | What long COVID is, who's researching it and how you can help | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/verify-what-long-covid-researching-how-you-can-help/65-9b5c3d1f-bda1-4377-888e-4f5ca5786be9 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/verify-what-long-covid-researching-how-you-can-help/65-9b5c3d1f-bda1-4377-888e-4f5ca5786be9 |
The parents of immunocompromised students said their rights were being violated under the Americans With Disabilities Act.
VIRGINIA, USA — It's a win for families of immunocompromised students in Virginia.
On Wednesday a federal judge ruled in favor of those students who claimed their rights under the Americans With Disabilities Act were being violated.
The judge ruled that a handful of schools in the commonwealth could require masks to protect about a dozen immunocompromised children. Their families sued over Virginia's mask-optional policies, and this ruling now allows those families to ask their individual schools to require masks again.
It's been a controversial topic in Virginia schools for the last several months. Last month, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed a bill into law ultimately leaving it up to parents to decide whether or not their child wears a mask to school.
That left parents of immunocompromised students concerned.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of 12 Virginia families saying their rights were being violated under the Americans with Disabilities Act. On Wednesday, a federal judge sided with those families.
While the judge game them a right to ask their schools to enforce some type of mask mandate for safety, it does not require those schools to do so.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares issued a statement following the ruling.
“Today’s ruling affirms that Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 2 and Senate Bill 739 is the law of Virginia and parents have the right to make choices for their children,” the statement said.
Meanwhile the ACLU of Virginia, who filed the lawsuit, tweeted out its own statement.
"We are glad the court agreed: No student should have to risk their lives to go to school," the tweet says.
In total, 10 school districts are impacted by the ruling. In our area that includes Manassas City Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools and Fairfax Public Schools.
RELATED: Fairfax County Public School board files legal motion stating Virginia's mask mandate is unconstitutional, parents file one right back | 2022-03-24T15:45:24Z | www.wusa9.com | Judge sides with immunocompromised parents in mask ruling | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/immunocompromised-students-masks-in-virginia-schools/65-52529f1f-1e78-4796-8d16-0cb00bd2dc24 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/immunocompromised-students-masks-in-virginia-schools/65-52529f1f-1e78-4796-8d16-0cb00bd2dc24 |
Woman killed by 30-year-old son who lived with her in College Park, police say
Police arrested Junior Bernard Jr. Wednesday, the son of 61-year-old Marlene Sloley. Bernard faces murder charges in connection with Sloley's death, PGPD says.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — A 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with the death of a woman in College Park on Wednesday afternoon.
Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) released a statement Thursday identifying the man as Junior Bernard Jr. of College Park.
Bernard faces murder charges in connection with the death of his mother, 61-year-old Marlene Sloley, court documents say.
Police say Bernard shared an apartment with his mother on the 9300 block of Cherry Hill Road. On Wednesday around 11 a.m., police were called to the apartment for a welfare check. Responding officers found Stoley inside the apartment "unresponsive suffering from trauma," PGPD said. Police say she died on scene.
Investigators believe Bernard "fatally assaulted his mother during a dispute." Police did not specify how Bernard assaulted her and whether it involved a weapon.
Bernard was taken into custody at a relative's home in Landover "a short time later," police say. He faces first and second-degree murder charges and is in the custody of the Department of Corrections. He is being held without bond, court documents show.
Anyone with information about this case should call police at 301-516-2512. Anyone with anonymous information can call the Prince George's County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-8477.
RELATED: New report shows home appraisal bias is widespread; contributes to wealth gap
Police: Man arrested for killing special police officer in 2021 | 2022-03-24T18:53:24Z | www.wusa9.com | Police arrest son of woman found dead in College Park | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/woman-killed-by-son-who-lived-with-her-in-college-park-police-say/65-16373211-0385-46a1-878d-cb0577601e3d | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/woman-killed-by-son-who-lived-with-her-in-college-park-police-say/65-16373211-0385-46a1-878d-cb0577601e3d |
With ridership demand expected to rise as summer approaches, WMATA outlined its hope to meet the need as offices and new Metro stations are set to open.
WASHINGTON — The 7000-series Metro cars that went out of service after their infamous October derailment in D.C. may make a return this summer, according to WMATA, who shared their plans in a Thursday press conference.
The announcement comes as WMATA's Board of Directors approved a $4.5 billion dollar package of service and construction projects, including cheaper late-night/weekend fares, maintaining service improvements and funding for the Silver Line Phase 2 service and the Potomac Yard Station.
In October 2021, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found defects in several of the 7000 series railcars while investigating the derailment of a Blue Line railcar on Oct. 12. During that incident, nearly 200 people were safely evacuated from a derailed Metro Blue Line train near Arlington Cemetery.
A root cause for the initial derailment is still being assessed, according to leaders at WMATA. The 7000-series at the time of their removal comprised about 60% of the total fleet.
On Thursday, WMATA sent their latest and most detailed plan to the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission for approval, which stated that improvements should come through in May by re-phasing in older, 6000-series cars. Metro plans for the change to bring the Green and Yellow Line services to a 15-minute wait at that time, down from the current 20 minutes. Throughout the summer, the 7000-series will be phased back into use, improving wait times across the board, Metro said.
Since the initial derailment, Metro has been tight-lipped about a final date on the return of the railcars, detailing an arduous inspection process and additional unforeseen setbacks along the way, such as a rise in COVID infections among workers.
RELATED: NTSB report on WMATA derailment: Wheelset problem has 'potential to create a catastrophic event'
The transit agency also plans to install systems meant to monitor the safety of the new railcars throughout various locations. Called Automatic Wayside Inspection Systems (AWIS), the installation is set to begin in the spring, with the first unit going near the College Park Station.
The system will provide real-time inspection and monitoring on the Green and Yellow lines, WMATA detailed.
Also in Metro's future plans are the introduction of 8000-series cars, which manufacturer Hitachi Rail announced that they plan to build in a $70 million factory in Washington County, Maryland on Monday.
The new trains are anticipated to also include new features. The 256 cars will have additional options of up to 800 in the fleet. Hitachi Rail said in a statement that the base order of the new cars will “increase reliability, offer modern onboard technology and an improved passenger experience.”
Officials say that the new 8000-series Metro trains will have:
Maryland officials said the project will create 460 new full-time jobs and will “help sustain 1,300 jobs in the region.”
Currently, Metro is amping up service as the District's first in-person National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place since the pandemic's onset.
Every weekend from Saturday, March 19 until Sunday, April 17 WMATA confirmed that they “will operate as many trains as possible matching weekday service levels" to help the flow of traffic in the city during peak cherry blossom season.
That means trains should run every 10 minutes on the Red Line and 20 minutes on all other lines, according to a Metro press release. | 2022-03-24T18:53:30Z | www.wusa9.com | Metro bringing back 7000-series cars this summer after testing | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-metro-7000-series-cars-summer-improving-service/65-044827bf-8d96-48d0-9d1c-c06c1fdfac6e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/dc-metro-7000-series-cars-summer-improving-service/65-044827bf-8d96-48d0-9d1c-c06c1fdfac6e |
The money will fund 20 projects in the next 3 years.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Some relief is in store for neighbors in Alexandria who say they've been dealing with power outages way too often. Dominion Energy is committing to a multi-million-dollar investment to improve reliability.
Dominion energy promises $17 Million over the next 3 years to help boost reliability in Alexandria. The money will fund 20 improvement projects over the next 3 years.
The announcement came Tuesday night, during a city council meeting. Many Councilmembers were unhappy with the lack of a written plan but Mayor Justin Wilson told WUSA9 Dominion promised to send city leaders a plan in writing by the end of the month.
Wilson said he’s cautiously optimistic. A long-time critic of the Dominion, the Mayor has blasted the power company for 16 power outages in an 8-month span back in 2020.
Dominion maintains Alexandria has good reliability, but Wilson said there are pockets of repeat failures.
“We have some neighborhoods and areas that have been hit really, really hard over the last several years,” said Wilson.
Del Ray is one of the hard-hit areas. Wilson said the worst outage happened during the biggest event of the year - Art on the Avenue.
Restaurant owners along Mount Vernon Avenue told WUSA9 back in October that just as the festival was getting started, the lights went out. Organizers estimated 50,000 visitors filled the streets. They were left in the dark and so were dozens of local businesses.
Dominion Energy called it a blue-sky event: no weather issues, but the outage was due to a faulty underground switch and cable equipment.
Dominion has already replaced over a thousand feet of cable in the area and as part of its pledge, Dominion will create an events team to make sure the Arts on the Avenue black-out – doesn’t happen again.
Robert Lock, Vice President of Distribution Operations for Dominion Energy said part of that will be a 24/7 team dedicated to the event day of and another team working proactively.
“Going out before the event begins and looking at the feeder circuits and the electrical infrastructure to make sure that it's in good shape and everything is as it should be,” explained Locke, “There's no branches leaning on wires or anything underground that would, you know, cause concern for us.”
“This is the financial commitment that you're going to make, that's great,” said Mayor Wilson, “Now, let's translate that actual project so that residents can understand when some relief is potentially coming in, they're in their neighborhood.”
Dominion said they’ll continue to work with city leaders on sharing maps of the power grid and identifying the first five reliability projects that will get underway in the next year.
RELATED: 'It couldn't have happened on a worse day' | Power struggle in Alexandria after electrical outage during Art on the Avenue
RELATED: Tips for surviving a winter power outage | 2022-03-24T21:53:47Z | www.wusa9.com | Dominion Energy invests $17 million in Alexandria | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/multi-million-dollar-investments-from-dominion-energy-to-keep-lights-on-in-alexandria/65-bcd2ffe7-7290-4b38-a7e1-a861751920d7 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/multi-million-dollar-investments-from-dominion-energy-to-keep-lights-on-in-alexandria/65-bcd2ffe7-7290-4b38-a7e1-a861751920d7 |
Saint Peter's Peacocks giving NCAA Tournament an underdog story for the ages
An Alexandria resident and the former captain of Saint Peter's 1960 team has a message for March Madness fans.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — We all love a good underdog story and this March, the basketball team from Saint Peter’s University is writing their own script.
The small Division I school out of Jersey City, New Jersey earned an NCAA tournament bid after winning the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament Championship or MAAC. Saint Peter’s was given a 15 seed and forced to face 2-seed basketball powerhouse Kentucky in the first round.
To the surprise of millions, the Saint Peter’s Peacocks triumphed over the Kentucky Wildcats winning 85 to 79. In the second round, Saint Peter’s showed resilience and heart, and the underdogs again prevailed, beating 7-seed Murray State, 70 to 60.
“It was like a surprise by God experience," said Saint Peter’s basketball alum, Marty Walsh. "You didn’t expect it, yet suddenly they upset two teams and they did it in a way that they aren’t losing at all. They were always ahead. The wonderful thing about the team is the cohesion they have. They all play together."
Walsh was the captain of the 1960 Saint Peter’s men's basketball team, and is a resident of Alexandria, Virginia. Walsh is also perhaps the team’s biggest supporter and fan.
“They are going to keep surprising us -- even if they lose, they surprise us," Walsh said. "To me, it gives hope to everybody. It gives hope. Even if you’re just a little kid and you never played basketball and you see these kids going against some big who is 7’5, and they are playing hard and fast. They aren’t giving up, and the message in life is to not give up."
Slammin’, Struttin’, Dancin’ 🦚🕺🏻
There is not one word to describe what the @peacocksmbb team has accomplished thus far, but they are headed to the 𝑺𝑾𝑬𝑬𝑻 𝟏𝟔🍭#MAACHoops X #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/5rYwQn1Nr3
Before the NCAA took over this tournament years ago, it was the National Invitational Tournament, and Walsh helped lead Saint Peter’s to the NIT in 1958. They lost to St. Joseph’s University in the first round, but Walsh said making it there is an accomplishment he’ll never forget.
“I think the gift in life is if you get the chance to play basketball at the highest level," Walsh said. "To me, it was really exciting. You were there and there were 18,000 fans at Madison Square Garden cheering. We didn’t win but I was on the court. The idea as a competitor is you go out and just play the game. You aren’t thinking about losing. You think about giving it your all and not being intimidated."
In this 2022 NCAA Tournament, Saint Peter’s has shown no signs of intimidation, only domination. Now, the Peacocks are preparing for their Sweet 16 bout with 3-seed Purdue, Friday night.
“Saint Peter’s has nothing to lose in this game," Walsh said. "The pressure is all on the other team, the bigger seed. It’s like Rocky and the interesting point about it is they are playing in Philly, so you’re seeing not Rocky Balboa, but Saint Peter’s University is playing, and the Peacocks are really Rocky."
SWEET HISTORY!!
Rip up those brackets! We'll see you in Philly!!!#StrutUp🦚 pic.twitter.com/UDZ5UzLfNc
They are this tournament’s biggest underdog team and perhaps are used to being underdogs in life too. According to the Washington Post, Saint Peter’s provides financial aid to its students who are the first in their families to attend college, with more than 70% of its 2,134 undergraduate students being minorities.
“Looking at little Saint Peter’s college with 2,200 people and they are playing a team that has 15,000 and you’re saying how can they beat them?" Walsh said. "But then you go into scripture and you realize the story of the great Goliath, and the little guy comes and hits him and knocks him down. That’s what Saint Peter’s is going to do in the game."
Walsh’s advice to this Cinderella team moving forward is poignant and poetic.
“Celebrate it! Enjoy this moment of your life, and celebrate being at Saint Peter’s," the former captain said. "We're cheering for the underdog because we are all underdogs.”
'It gets pretty intense out there' | BIG3 basketball tryouts are coming to the DMV | 2022-03-24T23:31:37Z | www.wusa9.com | Former Saint Peter's basketball captain rooting for the underdogs | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/saint-peters-university-ncaa-tournament-underdog-cinderella-story/65-1360ad3a-e10e-4b9a-b0c9-2f2d8b8be340 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/saint-peters-university-ncaa-tournament-underdog-cinderella-story/65-1360ad3a-e10e-4b9a-b0c9-2f2d8b8be340 |
MARYLAND, USA — The Maryland Attorney General has accused Pepco of "systemically mishandling" community solar panel projects and potentially overcharging thousands of D.C. households in an effort to undermine the District's efforts to meet previously set clean energy goals.
"Unfortunately, these programs are still not working as intended, and residents continue to get overcharged on their electric bills,” said AG Racine. “Enough is enough. We have heard from numerous D.C. residents who are rightly fed up with Pepco’s seeming inability, intentional or otherwise, to allow for consumer choice and transition to clean energy, as required by law." | 2022-03-25T02:29:04Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland Attorney General: Pepco mishandling solar panel project | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-attorney-general-complaint-pepco-systemically-mishandling-solar-panel-project/65-c1e5546a-5396-489f-9e81-82eda47d6247 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-attorney-general-complaint-pepco-systemically-mishandling-solar-panel-project/65-c1e5546a-5396-489f-9e81-82eda47d6247 |
Look out for March snow
The school board made the decision during Thursday's meeting.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Alexandria City Public School Board voted Thursday evening to formally request an additional year of funding for School Resource Officers (SROs) from Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson and the Alexandria City Council.
The board is requesting funding to continue the SRO program through the 2022-2023 school year. SROs are currently funded through the city through June 30, 2022.
Since the start of the 2021-2022 school year, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has gone through a series of changes. School started in the fall without SROs and three months later that decision was reversed following requests from school leaders.
ACPS is currently in the process of establishing a School Law Enforcement Partnership (SLEP). Which will serve as an advisory group comprised of city and ACPS staff, students, parents, and other community members tasked with making a recommendation on the future of the SRO program and the school-law enforcement partnership.
"This will give the SLEP advisory group enough time to form, meet and make recommendations on the school-law enforcement partnership, to receive community and stakeholder input on the program, as well as allow our two elected bodies to make sound decisions on the future of the SRO program," the SRO funding request letter signed by Meagan L. Alderton, Chair of the Alexandria City School Board reads.
A recommendation from the SLEP advisory group is set to be made to the school board by December.
While some parents and students have concerns about having police officers inside schools, some parents are relieved to know SROs will be in place for another year.
“There was a student arrested with a loaded 9 mm, 20 feet from my daughter's classroom. So to say I'm a concerned parent would be putting it mildly, Jennifer Rohrbach an ACPS parent said.“ I'm hopeful that SROs will become a permanent fixture and I believe that if you look at the safety report that the school came out with recently that's the reason that they're being reinstated.”
According to a school safety data report released in early March, there were 18 arrests, 41 fights, and 13 weapons confiscated, including a gun and five knives over the first two quarters of the 2021-2022 school year.
RELATED: Alexandra school board analyzes security incidents, outlines plans for school law enforcement advisory group | 2022-03-25T04:03:13Z | www.wusa9.com | ACPS school board seeks funding to keep SROs for another year | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/alexandria-city-public-school-board-to-ask-city-council-for-an-additional-year-of-school-resource-officer-funding/65-f8625666-5370-454b-9bc6-239b5fd1243e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/alexandria-city-public-school-board-to-ask-city-council-for-an-additional-year-of-school-resource-officer-funding/65-f8625666-5370-454b-9bc6-239b5fd1243e |
Megan Hargan stands accused of murdering both her mother and sister in 2017, and making it look like a murder-suicide
FAIRFAX, Va. — A Fairfax County jury has started deliberations to determine the fate of a woman accused of killing her own mother and sister.
In July 2017, Fairfax County Police were called to a home on the 6700 block of Dean Drive, in McLean, Virginia, after receiving a 911 call that a person may have been murdered.
When police got to the scene, they found two bodies inside of a home: 23-year-old Helen Hargan and, her mother, 63-year-old Pamela Hargan.
Authorities charged Megan Hargan, 35, of Monongalia County, West Virginia, with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of using a firearm in committing a felony.
Fairfax County Police accused Megan Hargan of killing her sister and mother and staging the incident to appear as a murder-suicide.
Fairfax Police soon made another discovery about Pamela Hargan’s finances after that.
According to Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, Megan Hargan has pleaded her innocence in the case.
However, if she is found guilty, she could face the rest of her life behind bars.
Megan Hargan is being represented by public defenders. WUSA9 reached out to Megan Hargan’s representation for comment, but has yet to receive a response.
Jury deliberations broke Thursday afternoon and are expected to resume on Monday, according to the commonwealth’s attorney. | 2022-03-25T08:36:14Z | www.wusa9.com | Fairfax County family double murder court case goes to jury | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/megan-hargan-murder-trial-family-killed-murder-suicide-coverup/65-425060e3-be6e-4088-89b4-5bd3838e9e87 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/megan-hargan-murder-trial-family-killed-murder-suicide-coverup/65-425060e3-be6e-4088-89b4-5bd3838e9e87 |
The event was a partnership between the League of United Latin American Citizens and Discovery to help students celebrate the milestone they missed during COVID.
The event served to empower and excite the couple of dozen lucky students at E.L. Haynes Charter School in Northwest D.C. who got to participate; many of whom were members of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the group that helped organize the event alongside Discovery, Inc.
The media company drew inspiration for the event from its own show, TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress.
The aptly-named “Say Yes to the Prom” giveaway event brought organizers, educators and students alike who are passionate about LULAC’s mission, as the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic membership organization in the country, according to their website.
Many students who participated identify as having Latin American heritage, organizers said, and were given the first pick to participate in the event.
“A lot of them are first-generation immigrants, so there is a little bit of disconnect, because some parents don't fully understand the prom experience and how important it is for somebody in high school that's going through it,” Director of Programs at LULAC Sandra Caraveo told WUSA9. She added that it’s also great to ease the financial burden of prom shopping for families, which can come with such a high price tag.
“I think that's very special for us to make some of those dreams come true ... It’s a really big step for some of these students and just being able to go ahead and share that with people that come from the same background,” she said, noting what a rite of passage prom can feel like for students in American high schools.
Credit: LULAC
The students were bussed to the landmark Hamilton Hotel on 14th Street in Northwest after a half-day at school and were greeted with lunch. The young ladies were then brought to a room with over 600 dresses, shoes and accessories and had the opportunity to try on anything that caught their eye. The young men did the same, with a $100 gift card for tuxedo rental, shoes and accessories in tow.
The students then had makeovers and participated in mentoring sessions focused on self-esteem building and emotional intelligence.
"We weren't sure if we were even going to be able to have prom this year because of the pandemic," said one participating student, Glendi Herrera said. "Being able to have this opportunity to even pick out a dress or have this experience that girls and guys didn't have last year or the previous two years; It's amazing to have this opportunity now."
Spanish teacher Gaberella Navidi-Kasmai also shared the magic of the event and how exciting it was to see the students, some of whom she’s taught and watched go through all four years of high school, have a blast feeling and looking their best.
“You heard both Spanish and English in the rooms. And I just found that really beautiful that everyone was communicating - not just in one language - but at least two languages, in order to show their excitement and help each other out,” she shared of her experience as a chaperone.
“It was beautiful just to join them on this journey. For them to have excitement; to have fun. Prom is is a great time, [we all] remember it.”
More information on LULAC and how to get involved can be found on their website. Click here to learn more.
RELATED: Montgomery County helps students, families learn warning signs for teen dating violence | 2022-03-25T13:15:36Z | www.wusa9.com | NW DC students showered with free prom dresses, tuxes | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/prom-dc-dresses-tuxes-say-yes-to-the-dress-event-lulac/65-703906d2-84e3-4f3b-b543-883df1610a0e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/prom-dc-dresses-tuxes-say-yes-to-the-dress-event-lulac/65-703906d2-84e3-4f3b-b543-883df1610a0e |
The Washington Mystics, Washington Spirit, DC Divas and DC Shadow have all come together to uplift the various other DMV region’s women’s sports teams.
WASHINGTON — A group of women’s sports teams based in the District of Columbia are coming together to create a new group to help connect and support other women’s teams from across the DMV.
The coalition hopes to kick off the next 50 years of Title IX by creating a prosperous future for women’s sports in the DMV, they said via press release.
The Washington Mystics, Washington Spirit, DC Divas and DC Shadow, in association with the youth sports charity Leveling the Playing Field, joined forces for the effort. The group is called the Washington Coalition of Women’s Professional Sports (WCWPS).
The coalition is meant to serve as a support organization for all women’s sports programs and professional clubs in the greater Washington, D.C. region.
“The District of Champions loves our women’s sports teams, and now we also look forward to celebrating and uplifting this coalition,” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement. “We know that when women lead, our communities succeed. And when women come together to lead, we become a powerful driving force for impact, equity, and access.”
This year, the WCWPS plans to work on service initiatives that provide resources to the wider women’s sports community in the region. The coalition’s first initiative will focus on a sports bra collection drive with the goal of collecting a total of 5,000 donated bras. Once collected, all of the bras will be donated to girls and women across the DMV region as a first step in ensuring that all women playing sports have access to the necessary equipment.
RELATED: Wizards, Mystics and Caps players stop by free back-to-school
RELATED: Mystics celebrate first WNBA title win | 'A champion comes to DC' | 2022-03-25T13:15:37Z | www.wusa9.com | DC women’s teams form coalition to help others | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/sports-dc-womens-teams-form-coalition-to-help-connect-support-other-teams/65-90791f1e-7e5d-4aad-994d-0c62e95d8eda | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/sports-dc-womens-teams-form-coalition-to-help-connect-support-other-teams/65-90791f1e-7e5d-4aad-994d-0c62e95d8eda |
WASHINGTON — Editor's note: A previous version of this story identified Karl Racine as the Maryland Attorney General. He is the D.C. Attorney General. The correction has been made.
The D.C. Attorney General has accused Pepco of "systemically mishandling" community solar panel projects and potentially overcharging thousands of D.C. households in an effort to undermine the District's efforts to meet previously set clean energy goals.
"Unfortunately, these programs are still not working as intended, and residents continue to get overcharged on their electric bills,” Racine said. “Enough is enough. We have heard from numerous D.C. residents who are rightly fed up with Pepco’s seeming inability, intentional or otherwise, to allow for consumer choice and transition to clean energy, as required by law." | 2022-03-25T14:44:01Z | www.wusa9.com | DC Attorney General: Pepco mishandling solar panel project | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/maryland-attorney-general-complaint-pepco-systemically-mishandling-solar-panel-project/65-c1e5546a-5396-489f-9e81-82eda47d6247 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/maryland-attorney-general-complaint-pepco-systemically-mishandling-solar-panel-project/65-c1e5546a-5396-489f-9e81-82eda47d6247 |
Several officers were monitoring the tavern when they noticed a group of people arguing, which led to several taking out their guns and shooting.
Author: 13News Now Staff, Dana Smith
Witnesses described a chaotic scene outside West Beach Tavern, police say it involved “several parties."
The shooting happened around midnight on Saturday. Hours later, forensics and police officers were still on scene investigating what happened.
The Virginia Beach Police Department's Crime Suppression Squad (CSS) had assigned officers to watch that area due to a recent increase in conflict and violence.
Two officers then intervened and shot at one of the people who was armed. The suspect fled and has not been located.
Other officers addressed the scene, where they found a 17-year-old teenage girl who had been shot in the lower leg, and a 21-year-old man who had also been shot in his lower body.
Both are expected to be okay, and officers believe the man may have shot himself.
Two other people, a 37-year-old man from Chesapeake and a 27-year old man from Norfolk, had also been shot in their legs. They took themselves to the hospital and are expected to be okay.
pic.twitter.com/gDFu5WmNQN
Their identities have not been released at this time.
Crime scene taped blocked off an area surrounding the tavern on Cleveland Street, not far from Virginia Beach’s Town Center.
A witness said that there was a concert that night. He said a music artist was set to take the stage when he heard gunshots.
Another person who was inside the bar, but also didn’t want to appear on camera, said it was a chaotic scene with a lot of commotion and people screaming.
Brent Miller works across the street from the bar. He said the violence needs to stop.
“It’s ridiculous," Miller said. "Stop picking up the guns, you know what I’m saying? I’m trying to get to work and you idiots- you young kids- this whole strip right here is closed and can’t nobody get to work.”
This shooting comes exactly one week after someone shot five people, killing two, outside Chicho's Backstage on Granby Street in Norfolk.
“I know there was a shooting at Chicho’s or something like that. It’s ridiculous. It’s ridiculous." Miller said. “I think I speak for everyone when I say it just needs to stop.”
At the scene in Virginia Beach, tow trucks took several vehicles away from the scene as officers searched cars for evidence.
The incident is being investigated by the VBPD Homicide Unit, and the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth Attorney is also independently investigating the officer-involved aspect of the shooting. | 2022-03-27T01:58:54Z | www.wusa9.com | Virginia Beach Police Department: At least four people injured, police get involved in shooting | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/multiple-people-injured-police-shooting-virginia-beach/291-6b2eda94-71ca-4b65-adbe-b28c94263398 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/multiple-people-injured-police-shooting-virginia-beach/291-6b2eda94-71ca-4b65-adbe-b28c94263398 |
WASHINGTON — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from February's rally at the Lincoln Memorial.
Crowds of Ukrainian supporters are expected to gather at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday to call for more United States aid in the fight against the Russian invasion that has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians and led to millions more fleeing to safety. | 2022-03-27T01:59:00Z | www.wusa9.com | Crowd expected for Ukraine rally at Lincoln Memorial on Sunday | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/ukraine-lincoln-memorial-rally-united-help-russia-invasion-stand-with-ukraine-rally-washington-dc/65-277ad556-da31-4274-a458-63eccb893ca8 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/ukraine/ukraine-lincoln-memorial-rally-united-help-russia-invasion-stand-with-ukraine-rally-washington-dc/65-277ad556-da31-4274-a458-63eccb893ca8 |
\Conservatory in U.S. Botanic Garden to reopen in D.C. April 1
Colorectal cancer will be the number one cancer-killer of people under age 50, by 2030.
WASHINGTON — The Scope It Out 5K at Freedom Plaza in D.C. brought thousands out on Sunday to raise money to fight colorectal cancer, and raise a message: Get tested.
Colorectal cancer is on the rise on people under 50. Survivor Mimoza Cejku said she had never heard the disease mentioned by her doctors prior to her diagnosis. She attended the walk/run with a large group of friends.
“I'm a survivor, I'm one of those young ones no one thinks it can happen to,” Cejku said. “So please go get checked out, and this is my first year being able to walk it. So I've got all my people here to support.”
Cejku was diagnosed at age 39.
“It was a surreal moment, but I was surrounded by a lot of support, and my support system was always greater than my problem and that’s why I'm here,” she said.
The 5K honored loved ones and survivors, and those who have lost family members worked to increase awareness. An inflatable colon served as a canvas for facts about the disease: for instance, it is curable in most people if it is caught early and removed.
“Unfortunately young people- we’re seeing a bigger increase in young Americans, so I would say be your own advocate. If you have blood in your stool, change in bowel habits, unexpected weight loss, really go to your primary care physician and demand a colonoscopy,” said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “Because we’re finding more and more and more young people, it’ll be the number one cancer killer for both men and women under the age of 50 by the year 2030.” | 2022-03-27T19:38:13Z | www.wusa9.com | scope it out 5k fights colorectal cancer | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/5k-in-dc-raises-money-to-fight-a-cancer-on-the-rise/65-344bfad2-c004-4725-8c88-bb5f6a94af4c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/5k-in-dc-raises-money-to-fight-a-cancer-on-the-rise/65-344bfad2-c004-4725-8c88-bb5f6a94af4c |
NEW ORLEANS — The number four in the Final Four has a different meaning for Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly, Va. this year. Four members of the 2018 Paul VI State Championship team will compete in this year's NCAA Final Four in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Duke won the West Regional Championship on Saturday. The Blue Devils feature two Paul VI players — Jeremy Roach of Leesburg, Va. and Trevor Keels of Clinton, Md. The victory sends Duke to a Final Four for the 13th time under head coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Duke will face North Carolina in the Final Four. The Tar Heels eliminated St. Peter's in the East Regional title game. North Carolina's Final Four game against Duke will also reunite Roach and Keels with former Paul VI teammate and North Carolina guard Anthony Harris of Woodbridge, Va. Unfortunately, Harris will not play in the Final Foul. The school announced in January, Harris will miss the rest of the season. He suffered a torn ACL in December of 2019. That kept him sideline until January of 2021. At Paul VI, Harris won the WCAC regular season championship his junior year.
Villanova defeated Houston to win the South Regional championship. Brandon Slater of Centerville, Va. is currently a senior for the Wildcats. Villanova have won in each of their last four Regional Final appearances. As a captain for Paul VI, Slater helped the Panthers to an 18-0 conference record in 2018.
The Men's Final Four will take place on April 2 in New Orleans. With a Paul VI player on the Duke and North Carolina roster, it guarantees at least one Paul VI player will play for a NCAA championship on April 4.
RELATED: DMV high school teammates face-off in NCAA Sweet-16 | 2022-03-28T00:24:57Z | www.wusa9.com | 4 former Paul VI High School teammates competing in Final Four | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/ncaa/ncaab/four-paul-vi-high-school-teammates-in-virginia-heading-to-final-four/65-344d0cc1-7ece-4200-b18e-6a858f6a74c3 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/ncaa/ncaab/four-paul-vi-high-school-teammates-in-virginia-heading-to-final-four/65-344d0cc1-7ece-4200-b18e-6a858f6a74c3 |
Fatal stabbing at Lanham apartment, police investigate
Man stabbed to death inside Prince George's County apartment, police say
Russian assets make up such a small percentage of the portfolio, it could actually be more harmful to your retirement plan to offload them
VIRGINIA, USA — In response to the invasion of Ukraine, Virginia Governor Glenn Younkin recently urged the state’s retirement system board of trustees to divest—or get rid of—any Russian assets the pension fund has in its portfolio.
Does the VRS trust fund have any Russian investments? And if so, could they be sold?
Jeanne Chenault, with the Virginia Retirement System
Keith Brainard, the research director with the National Association of State Retirement Administrators
Chenault said the fund is made up in part by Russian assets—but it’s a very small part, 0.1%.
According to the most recent performance report, the VRS Trust Fund is valued at $107.2 billion. Our experts agree: the $107 million in Russian money is a "minimal" amount of the total.
"Point-one percent of the portfolio could reasonably be considered a negligible portion of the portfolio, perhaps even immaterial,” said Brainard.
He says the money in pension funds belongs to the people who put it in there—not public or taxpayer dollars.
The VRS Board of Trustees manages the money and it's up to the Trustees to decide what's traded, bought or sold. Brainard said they're legally and morally obligated to make decisions based on the best interest of the participants, not on any outside factors.
He said that most Russian-based assets are held in larger index funds, and fund managers would not sell an index fund just to get rid of the small Russian portion. That’s because doing so might negatively impact the entire portfolio.
The small percentage also means that even a drop in the value of Russian currency should not have a major impact on the overall retirement fund.
"It's important that the retirement system trustees keep their eye on the prize, on the big portfolio, and not allow such a small portion of the portfolio to drive decisions that could affect the bulk of the portfolio,” said Brainard.
He says even if the trustees decided it was best to sell them, it would be almost impossible to do so. The Russian market is closed, and there are trade restrictions and sanctions in place. | 2022-03-28T13:21:11Z | www.wusa9.com | VERIFY: Is Russian money in the Virginia pension fund? | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-russian-money-in-pension-fundbut-selling-it-off-is-easier-said-than-done/65-74389da6-67f3-44b9-8b0b-8c976019a520 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-russian-money-in-pension-fundbut-selling-it-off-is-easier-said-than-done/65-74389da6-67f3-44b9-8b0b-8c976019a520 |
Police were called after a man allegedly walked outside of his home to greet his neighbor, asking if he was OK. He replied "No," and started shooting.
STAFFORD, Va. — A Stafford man is now behind bars after shooting at his neighbor Sunday morning and following him into his home.
Police were called to Aster Lane off of Bells Hill Road around 8:40 a.m after a man allegedly walked outside of his home to greet his neighbor, asking if he was OK.
According to police, the neighbor, 52-year-old Scott Jones, replied “No,” took out a handgun and began firing, unprovoked.
Police say the victim proceeded to retreat into his house, with Jones following closely behind, continuing to fire.
The victim reportedly yelled at Jones to leave his home, according to police. Jones then went across the street to another neighbor’s porch, where police said he began to ring the doorbell, knock and kick the door. Neighbors told police they saw that Jones was armed and backed away from the door he was trying to enter to call 911.
Police said there is no known animosity between the neighbors.
Although there was significant damage to the home from bullets, the victim and his family were not injured.
Police said they arrived on the scene in four minutes, cautiously approached Jones and confronted him on the neighbor’s porch. He followed their subsequent orders to drop his gun, but shortly after, charged at deputies.
Police used a taser and OC spray to get Jones into custody. Afterward, he was checked for injuries and cleared at the hospital.
He has been charged with attempted malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, burglary while armed with a deadly weapon, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. | 2022-03-28T13:21:17Z | www.wusa9.com | Stafford man who shot at neighbor 'unprovoked' taken to jail | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-stafford-man-jailed-for-firing-numerous-times-at-neighbor/65-5c375941-b97b-4a30-b061-53a66dfb39f4 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-stafford-man-jailed-for-firing-numerous-times-at-neighbor/65-5c375941-b97b-4a30-b061-53a66dfb39f4 |
Officials are working to reopen all lanes.
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A car in flames that led to a crash and injuries closed down all lanes of eastbound U.S. Route 50 in Prince George’s County Monday morning.
All lanes were blocked off on 50 eastbound before US-301 (Exit 13) initially. Three lanes have since reopened and delays of approximately two miles have been reported as of 9 a.m.
Maryland State Police said that there was a car that caught on fire in the eastbound lanes around 7:40 a.m. Traffic then slowed down in the area after the fire sparked, which led to a crash between two cars. Three people were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
RELATED: 1 dead following tractor-trailer wreck in Hagerstown
RELATED: Driver seriously injured when tractor-trailer overturns on I-95 in Stafford Co. | 2022-03-28T14:56:09Z | www.wusa9.com | Crash closes down eastbound US 50 in Prince George's County | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-crash-car-eastbound-us-50-in-prince-georges-county/65-6b2fffe8-ceba-4d3b-b307-7e69fabea891 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-crash-car-eastbound-us-50-in-prince-georges-county/65-6b2fffe8-ceba-4d3b-b307-7e69fabea891 |
Megan Hargan was accused of murdering both her mother and sister in 2017, and making it look like a murder-suicide.
Author: Laura Wainman, John Henry
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — A Fairfax County jury delivered a guilty verdict Monday against a woman accused of killing her own mother and sister in 2017. Megan Hargan, 35, was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder, and two counts of using a firearm in committing a felony.
In July 2017, Fairfax County Police were called to a home on the 6700 block of Dean Drive, in McLean, Virginia, after receiving a 911 call that a person may have been murdered. When police got to the scene, they found two bodies inside the home: 23-year-old Helen Hargan and her mother, 63-year-old Pamela Hargan.
Authorities charged Megan Hargan, of Monongalia County, West Virginia, with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in committing a felony. Fairfax County Police accused Hargan of killing her sister and mother and staging the incident to appear as a murder-suicide.
RELATED: Woman accused of double murder faces Fairfax Co. jury
Now, Hargan has the choice to have her sentencing determined by the jury, or to have a judge decide her sentence.
“We in Fairfax County have no tolerance for such disregard for human life and I am committed to addressing crimes of this magnitude with the seriousness they merit," Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said following the jury's verdict. "We will be asking for a substantial sentence that reflects the seriousness of the crime."
According to Descano's office, Megan Hargan pleaded her innocence throughout the case. She was represented by public defenders. WUSA9 reached out to Megan Hargan’s representation for comment but has yet to receive a response. | 2022-03-28T16:32:34Z | www.wusa9.com | Jury gives guilty verdict in Fairfax County family double murder | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/jury-trial-guilty-verdict-woman-killed-mother-sister-fairfax-county-2017-megan-hargan/65-272cdd52-7e0e-4696-8b47-b9fb1883b3e4 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/jury-trial-guilty-verdict-woman-killed-mother-sister-fairfax-county-2017-megan-hargan/65-272cdd52-7e0e-4696-8b47-b9fb1883b3e4 |
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said a teenager reported being attacked Saturday at their home by a group all in their mid-late teens.
SOUTH RIDING, Va. — The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is investigating a group attack on a teenager Saturday that they believe is connected to a previous assault.
LCSO said the teen boy reported being attacked at his home in South Riding, Virginia around 4 p.m. by a group of suspects described by detectives as in their "mid-late teens." One of the attackers was believed to have a possible gun in his waistband. The attack occurred at the teen's home on Scarlet Square. The boy's parents were home at the time and intervened.
Police were called at some point during or after the attack, but the suspects had fled when LCSO arrived. The teen and his parents reported minor injuries but all three declined further treatment.
"At this point in the investigation, it is believed the incident is connected to a previously reported assault involving several teenagers that occurred Friday night," the Sheriff's office wrote in a press release. "LCSO is working to identify all of those involved, and the circumstances that led up to the reported assaults."
#LCSO assault of teenager who was confronted by several subjects at his residence on Scarlett Sq. The case is possibly connected to earlier assault & some of the teens involved are known to each other. LCSO is working to ID all of those involved. https://t.co/ZYZYAZLT09
— Loudoun County Sheriff (@LoudounSheriff) March 27, 2022
LCSO added that they believe some of the teenagers involved know each other, but they are still working to identify suspects, as well as what led to the assaults on Friday and Saturday night.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone who has information regarding the assault is asked to contact Detective M. Grimsley at 703-777-1021, or submit a tip through the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office app.
RELATED: Sheriff: Loudoun County deputy kills knife-wielding woman who is accused of stabbing 2 including teen
RELATED: Tree falls on car, impales woman driving with her young daughter
Fatal stabbing in Prince George's County apartment | 2022-03-28T18:09:12Z | www.wusa9.com | Loudoun County sheriff investigate assault of teen at home | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/police/teen-boy-assaulted-parents-home-intervene-loudoun-county-sheriff-office-responds/65-c5335693-1416-4200-b242-cde3d2cee12a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/police/teen-boy-assaulted-parents-home-intervene-loudoun-county-sheriff-office-responds/65-c5335693-1416-4200-b242-cde3d2cee12a |
Police are offering a $40,000 reward for anyone who can provide information that can lead to the arrest of Marino.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Police have officially announced that the remains found Thursday, March 24 are the remains of Hannah Choi.
A community member in the Charles County area found human remains while at Piscataway Park March 24.
The Medical Examiner's Office and the Charles County Sherriff's Office identified that remains indeed were Choi. The results of the autopsy are pending for further examination, according to police.
An award of $40,000 is being offered to anyone who can provide information that can lead to the arrest of 27-year-old Joel Merino. The money for the award is comprised of donations from the Choi family, community members and the Fairfax County Police Department, according to officials.
“We will always remember her as someone who was brave, strong, independent and [as] someone who dedicated her life to helping others," said Mina Choi, Hannah Choi's younger sister.
Police say they are thankful for Choi's discovery and that it brings a sense of closure but are still actively searching for her suspected killer.
Choi had been missing since March 6 and was last seen at her home in Fairfax County March 5.
On March 5, Choi spent the evening with her ex-boyfriend, Merino. Police believe "something happened between Ms. Choi and Merino" and that "Choi sustained a significant injury."
Police believe that Merino removed Choi from her home and transported her body to Charles County, Maryland.
The car Merino was driving the evening of March 5 was found March 8 in D.C., and detectives believe Choi was harmed prior to her disappearance based on evidence they found in the car, police say.
Police say that Merino purchased a ticket in advance to fly to California March 8 but never showed up to board the plane.
Police have two warrants for the arrest of Merino. The warrants include second-degree murder and disposal of a body.
“This is a case where a violent offender needs to be held accountable," said Lt. Erin Weeks, Assistant Commander, Violent Crimes Division.
Police do not know the whereabouts of Merino and Major Ed O’Carroll said "he can be anywhere."
Officials note they have interviewed many people during the investigation and the only person they didn't get a chance to speak with was Choi.
Police believe that there are possibilities that Merino could be in Virginia, California and Atlanta but are still investigating where he could potentially be located.
FCPD and Choi's family are asking anyone who has any information to contact the police.
"Hannah has been taken away from us and from everyone who loves her. You know, present tense because we all still love her. I cannot begin to describe how much we're all going to miss her," said Choi.
RELATED: Police confirm body found in wooded area is missing Virginia woman Hannah Choi | 2022-03-28T21:13:55Z | www.wusa9.com | Hannah Choi's body officially identified | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/hannah-choi-body-officially-found-and-identified/65-2206061a-a86f-4f5c-8cc2-835181dc4a2a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/hannah-choi-body-officially-found-and-identified/65-2206061a-a86f-4f5c-8cc2-835181dc4a2a |
A Ring camera on Pomeroy Road in SE captured a horrific attack on a dog.
WASHINGTON — A vicious attack on a dog was caught on camera in Southeast, and now authorities are searching for the person responsible. Multiple Ring videos show the incident, which occurred on Pomeroy Road SE.
The video shows someone picking up a dog just after 6:30 a.m. on Monday, and throwing it to the ground, before kicking it.
"Honestly it breaks my heart," said a neighbor who owns one of the Ring cameras that captured the attack.
This neighbor requested anonymity, out of fear of retribution. She said that she heard the whimpering from inside the house, before checking her Ring app.
“I immediately cried," she said. "I cried. Dogs are no different from children.”
One of the Ring videos was posted on the Neighbors Ring app, and sparked outrage online. As of 6 p.m., the video had over 1,400 views, and dozens of comments.
“What a sick man,” one person wrote. “Please someone find out who this is…”
HORRIFIC VIDEO… You may choose NOT to watch…
A horrible incident of dog abuse. A dog thrown to the ground and kicked.
Law Enforcement looking for man responsible. This happened 6:30a.m. on Pomeroy Rd SE.
Know anything? Call 202-723-5730
Absolutely sick. @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/A8PGvWOVrw
A neighbor, Keelee Morris, was out walking his dog along Pomeroy Road SE when we showed him the video Monday afternoon.
"If you cannot love your pet," he said, "then you shouldn’t have one."
The Humane Rescue Alliance, the group that investigates cases of animal abuse in D.C., told WUSA9 that they are aware of the incident and that humane law enforcement officers are now investigating.
They said they've received numerous calls about the attack, and at least two Ring videos have been submitted, showing the incident. They are urging anyone with information to call them at 202-723-5730.
The neighbor who captured the incident via her Ring camera said she is hopeful the person will be caught.
“At the end of the day, it’s just a dog today. But it could be a person tomorrow,” she said.
Police: Man threatening self-harm saved by Stafford K-9 | 2022-03-28T22:49:18Z | www.wusa9.com | VIDEO: Dog abused in Southeast D.C. | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/video-person-throws-and-kicks-dog-in-barry-farms-neighborhood-authorities-looking-for-suspect-dog-pet-puppy-brutal-assault/65-aa04ad53-6a7c-4e73-b147-b75fe3f81dc3 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/video-person-throws-and-kicks-dog-in-barry-farms-neighborhood-authorities-looking-for-suspect-dog-pet-puppy-brutal-assault/65-aa04ad53-6a7c-4e73-b147-b75fe3f81dc3 |
MARYLAND, USA — Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced on Monday that both Maryland Democrats and Republicans had agreed on "the largest tax cut package in state history" that will provide savings to retirees, small businesses, and low-income families over the next five years.
Under the terms of the deal, retirees making up to $100,000 in retirement income or married couples making up to $150,000 in retirement income will have state income taxes significantly reduced or erased altogether.
According to the governor, 80% of retirees in Maryland will be impacted by the plan, which could save them around a combined $1.55 billion.
"Cutting our state’s retirement taxes is something we have been trying to accomplish for seven years, and I want to thank the leaders of the General Assembly for working with us to get this done for Maryland’s seniors," the governor said in a statement on Monday. "This agreement will deliver on our promise to provide real, long-term relief for hard-working Marylanders dealing with inflation and higher prices, and help create more jobs and more opportunity to continue our strong recovery.”
Today, we are announcing the largest tax cut package in state history and delivering long-overdue relief for Maryland’s overtaxed retirees.
Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/xPbArrp01i
House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore Co.) and Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) also voiced support for the measure and said it would help many Marylanders.
Aside from retirees, families in the state will see relief.
Sales tax will be exempted for child care products like diapers, car seats, and baby bottles. According to the governor, the change will help people save a combined $115.6 million.
On Monday, Montgomery County Parents of Multiples President Larry Paska said the tax relief would make a big difference for moms and dads around Maryland.
"Some of the car seats that you grow into when you’re four years old can run several hundred dollars," he said. "If you’re purchasing a lot of (baby items) on your own, it can run up to several hundred dollars a month. Even a sales tax of $10-20 a month on diapers really does add up.”
"Even eliminating $20-40 worth of sales tax puts food on the table for families," Paska added.
Under the Work Opportunity Tax Credit a part of the package, employers and businesses will be incentivized to hire and retain workers from "underserved communities that have faced significant barriers to employment."
Later this week, Governor Hogan plans to hold a special bill signing ceremony with Speaker Jones and President Ferguson focusing on the tax cuts.
RELATED: What are you paying for in that gallon of gas? | 2022-03-29T01:48:47Z | www.wusa9.com | Who could see biggest impact of Maryland's tax cuts? | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-tax-cuts-relief-governor-larry-hogan-state/65-27b68771-c174-4d78-ab4e-cd8c2f74fd00 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-tax-cuts-relief-governor-larry-hogan-state/65-27b68771-c174-4d78-ab4e-cd8c2f74fd00 |
Alopecia is common but comes in multiple forms
Discussion surrounding the disease circulates amid event from the Oscars.
WASHINGTON — Recent events surrounding the Oscar’s award show put a spotlight on the disease. Jada Pinkett-Smith, who was diagnosed with alopecia, has spoken publicly about her condition.
Alopecia is actually quite common and can happen to anyone.
In short, alopecia is a disease where a person experiences hair loss due to their immune system attacking areas in the skin that for the hair, according to The National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
There are many forms of alopecia, such as, alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. There is an addition form of alopecia called traction alopecia which unlike the others can be controlled more if caught early enough.
Alopecia areata can develop anywhere on the body, not just the head and is typically passed down through genetics.
Alopecia totalis is when a person loses all of their hair from their scalp, making them completely bald. Alopecia universalis is when a person loses all of the hair on their body, this is the rarest form of alopecia.
According to an article from Medical News Today, Traction Alopecia happens after hair is consistently being pulled in the same direction over a long period of time. This can happen to people who often times wear their hair in tight styles.
The article also notes that “repeated strain on the hair follicles can pull out strands of hair and even damage the follicles.”
The National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says anyone can have alopecia areata and that it impacts women and men equally.
Alopecia typically starts to develop in people when they’re young, during their childhood or teen years, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
How does it develop?
AAD notes that about half of people experience regrowth within 12 months without treatment and not experience hair loss again, however, people can also experience cycles of hair loss and regrowth at unpredictable times for years.
There are various treatments for those diagnosed with alopecia. Treatment options can include contactimmunotherapy and different medication methods, according to AAD. | 2022-03-29T03:24:55Z | www.wusa9.com | Discussion on alopecia circulates amid recent events | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/alopecia-what-is-it/65-1d2f8dff-baf8-4dcf-854c-b7e91a858480 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/alopecia-what-is-it/65-1d2f8dff-baf8-4dcf-854c-b7e91a858480 |
The project won't cost taxpayers a dime, as the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is footing the $55 million bill.
MANASSAS, Va. — An interchange project helping to connect three of Northern Virginia's most traveled roadways is finally becoming a reality after 28 years.
On Monday, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) broke ground on the Route 234 and Brentsville Road Interchange Project, which will serve as a commuter route connecting Route 1, I-95 and I-66. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) first conceptualized the idea in 1994.
The intersections at Route 234 and Brentsville Rd. will be revamped to "improve traffic operations, traffic flow, and safety" with a bridge crossing constructed to separate the intersection of Prince William Parkway and Route 234 Business. Project advocates believe getting rid of back-to-back traffic lights at the intersection will help reduce traffic delays.
"The new bridge and Interchange will provide free-flow movements across the Prince William Parkway to eliminate delays and congestion resulting from the existing traffic signals," NVTA spokesperson Abigail Hillerich said.
Separate paths will also be created for biking and walking.
The project, slated to be completed in 2024, won't cost taxpayers a dime, as the NVTA is footing the $55 million bill.
🎉🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/FQJoU7Mt8M
— Northern Virginia's Transportation Authority (@NVTAuthority) March 28, 2022 | 2022-03-29T17:06:43Z | www.wusa9.com | Construction begins to connect I-95, I-66 and Route 1 in NoVA | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/commuter-route-connecting-95-66-route-1-transportation-corridor/65-2540669b-5bc4-4b9c-8cfc-ab15c6a3b76d | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/commuter-route-connecting-95-66-route-1-transportation-corridor/65-2540669b-5bc4-4b9c-8cfc-ab15c6a3b76d |
The fire impacted 24 units at the Holly Hill condominium complex, according to Prince George's County Fire and EMS.
FORESTVILLE, Md. — A large fire damaged a condominium building in Prince George’s County Tuesday afternoon. The fire broke out shortly before 4 p.m. in Forestville at the Holly Hill Condominium complex, off Donnell Place, near State Route 4.
The fire impacted 24 units in the condominium building, according to Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Spokesperson Veronica Marshall. She added that no residents or firefighters were hurt.
A man named “Marcus” observed the fire from his condo across the condominium complex. He told WUSA9 he heard a woman yell shortly before the fire engulfed the first and second floors of her building.
“The fourth floor went up, and the roof blew and it shot debris to the other end of the field,” he said.
PGFD has not determined the cause of the fire.
The department said when crews got to the scene, they could not use a private fire hydrant right next to the building on fire because it was inactive. She said crews first relied on water from their firetrucks before using a Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission hydrant instead.
“That’s part of our standard operating procedure,” she said. “We know that we can get a higher flow from them. So, that’s where we look to first, depending on the size of the fire, and on this one, that’s what we wanted to start with.”
Marshall said the Red Cross and the Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management are both helping to provide assistance to families who were displaced during the fire. | 2022-03-30T03:45:38Z | www.wusa9.com | Fire rips through Forestville condominium complex | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/fire-rips-through-prince-georges-county-condominium-complex/65-6633f341-cd96-4a2c-8897-f36e0e7957c1 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/fire-rips-through-prince-georges-county-condominium-complex/65-6633f341-cd96-4a2c-8897-f36e0e7957c1 |
Judge dismisses complaints filed by protesters arrested on Swann Street in 2020
Complaints filed by protesters arrested on Swann Street in 2020 dismissed by judge
Federal lawsuit filed by Black Lives Matter protesters claiming DC curfew was 'unconstitutional' dismissed
More than a year and a half after the mass arrests, MPD announced complaints filed by the protesters have been dismissed by a U.S. District Court judge.
WASHINGTON — A judge has dismissed complaints filed by protesters who were arrested on Swann Street in June 2020 for violation of curfew. The complaints, filed by seven protesters, alleged officers used a 'kettling' maneuver to trap protesters onto a small street for mass arrests without cause violating their First, Fourth and 14th Amendment rights.
Nearly 200 protesters were arrested on June 1 in Northwest D.C. after four days of protesting the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. WUSA9 reporters were on Swann Street at the time arrests happened, and our cameras were among dozens that captured the events, from start to finish.
RELATED: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Birds-eye view of Swann St. incident shows DC Police using urban warfare tactics
According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the mass arrests were for curfew violations. The District's curfew was implemented after protests in the city escalated into confrontations with police, including some vandalism, looting and property destruction.
"In the downtown area of the District of Columbia, numerous businesses and government buildings were vandalized, burned, or looted," Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote in a May 31 Executive Order establishing the curfew. "Over the past nights, there has been a glorification of violence, particularly during later hours of the night. This violence is not representative of peaceful protest or individuals exercising their lawful First Amendment rights."
In the lawsuit, each of the plaintiffs issued eight complaints, including that the curfew was "vague and overly broad," that they were "arrested without legal justification" and that their rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly were violated upon their arrest.
More than a year and a half after the mass arrests, MPD announced complaints filed by the protesters were dismissed by a U.S. District Court judge.
"There was considerable coverage of MPD’s curfew violation arrests that occurred on or near Swann Street NW in the summer of 2020," said an MPD spokesperson. "So we are optimistic that the same passion will be afforded to today’s US District Court decision."
The judge found “the connection between the hours the curfew was in force and the interest it was meant to further – reducing violence and the risk to people and property – clear.”
MPD said the false arrest claims were also dismissed since the protesters were in violation of the implemented curfew and the officers had probable cause to arrest them.
In March 2021, the office of D.C.'s attorney general declined to charge any of the 194 protesters arrested on Swann Street.
“We declined to prosecute all of the 6/1 Swann Street arrests," said DC OAG Press Secretary Marrisa Geller. "When making charging decisions, OAG evaluates the evidence and circumstances surrounding each individual arrest as well as the public safety risks to the residents of the District of Columbia."
RELATED: Caught in the 'kettle:' The inside story of Swann Street | 2022-03-30T09:51:01Z | www.wusa9.com | Judge dismisses complaints filed by Swann Street protesters | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/judge-dismisses-complaints-filed-protesters-arrested-swann-street-2020/65-420824e1-8ef9-42fb-9cfc-858d26ec738f | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/judge-dismisses-complaints-filed-protesters-arrested-swann-street-2020/65-420824e1-8ef9-42fb-9cfc-858d26ec738f |
COVID shut them down, now this HIV support group plans to relaunch
HIV social support group plans to relaunch after COVID shutdown
Out of work housekeepers say it's time to clean hotel rooms daily again
Hotel workers want pre-COVID cleaning policies put back in place to increase job availability
For two years, HOPE DC was forced to stop its social events because of the coronavirus pandemic. Next month, the group is planning its first gathering since 2020.
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — HOPE DC is an organization that started during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. HOPE stands for 'Health Options & Positive Energy.' In the 1980s, the organizers set out to create a safe, social space for its members.
"Back in those days, there wasn't much support. The dark days of the AIDS crisis. That's how it formed, and this is way before the internet so word of mouth was very important.
Jimmy Garza is HOPE DC's current vice president.
"We want to foster a mutual support in a social setting. We have brunches, house parties and go to museums," said Garza. "We've been doing this for over 30 years and in 2020 we just locked the door."
Like so many other organizations, the group was forced to stop its events because of the COVID pandemic. Next month, for the first time in two years, they plan to have a soft reopening.
"To be in a social setting is extremely paramount. To be able to talk with somebody who knows what you're going through. It shows you that you're not alone," said Garza.
For HOPE DC the focus has mainly been on gay men, but Garza says HIV is impacting every demographic, and they welcome anyone who needs support.
"People are still coming down with HIV, so it's very important that we get out there and start hitting those people," he said.
The organization has many resources available to its members and those interested in joining. There is a hotline and a private Facebook group for people to join for support.
Click here for more information about HOPE DC.
RELATED: Healthcare center for people living with HIV, AIDS opens in Northern Virginia | 2022-03-30T11:21:57Z | www.wusa9.com | HIV social support group plans to relaunch after two years | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/hiv-social-support-group-plans-relaunch/65-7342e5de-e1f2-4cd4-9e57-18212460499e | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/health/hiv-social-support-group-plans-relaunch/65-7342e5de-e1f2-4cd4-9e57-18212460499e |
The contest starts at 12:01 a.m. (E.T.) on Friday, April 1st , 2022 and end at 11:59 p.m. (E.T.) , Sunday, April 17.
WUSA9 2022 Wrap Your Home in Love Contest
2. Eligibility. Subject to the additional restrictions below, the “WUSA9 2022 Wrap Your Home in Love” (the “Contest”) is open to legal U.S. residents (excluding Puerto Rico) in District of Columbia, Maryland counties: Montgomery, Prince George’s. Virginia counties and cities: Fairfax County, Fauquier, Alexandria City, Arlington County, Falls Church City, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Spotsylvania, Stafford who are 21 years or older at the time of entry. Employees and contractors of WUSA9, TEGNA Co., Inc., John C. Flood, Inc., Product Manufacturer Rheem, Easter Seals Serving DC | MD | VA, Inc. (“Sponsors”), and each of their respective affiliated companies, and advertising and promotional agencies, and the immediate family members of, and any persons domiciled with, any such employees or contractors, are not eligible to enter or to win.
3. How To Enter. The Sweepstakes will begin at 12:01 a.m. (E.T.) on Friday, April 1st , 2022 and end at 11:59 p.m. (E.T.) , Sunday, April 17th , 2022 (the “Contest Period”).
Enter by visiting www.wusa9.com/wrapyourhomeinlove and filing out the required information.
Your computer must accept cookies, or any successor or similar technology, which may be used for the purpose of entry tracking. Ad blocking software on your computer needs to be disabled so that it doesn’t interfere with processing your entry. Complete the entry form and any other required fields and then submit your entry by clicking on the “SUBMIT” button. By entering, you agree to receive e-mails from Sponsor or those directed by Sponsor. You can opt-out of the receipt of such e-mails by following the directions on the Sweepstakes website or in any email received from Sponsor.
All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, April 17th, 2022. By entering, you agree to the terms of these Official Rules.
Maximum one (1) entry per person. Person must live in The District of Columbia; Maryland counties: Montgomery, Prince George’s; or Virginia counties and cities: Fairfax County, Fauquier, Alexandria City, Arlington County, Falls Church City, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Spotsylvania and Stafford.
Sponsor(s) will not be responsible for failure to receive entries due to transmission failures or technical failures of any kind, including, without limitation, malfunctioning of any network, hardware or software, whether originating with sender or Sponsor.
4. Winner Selection and Odds. One (1) Winner will be selected from among all eligible entries by a panel of qualified judges selected by Sponsor, to be held on or about Monday, April 18th to Friday, April 22nd, 2022.The judges will select the entry demonstrating the greatest verified need. All decisions of the judges will be final.
Nomination Period: 12:01 a.m. Friday, April 1st to 11:59p.m. Sunday, April 17th, 2002.
Selection Period: 12:01 a.m. Monday, April 18th to 11:59 p.m. Thursday, April 21st , 2002
Notification Period: Friday, April, 22nd, 2002, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Announcement Period: Monday, April 25th , 2002, 9:00 a.m. to Friday, April 29th , 2022, 10:00 a.m. on WUSA9’s Great Day Washington Show
Interview Will Be Scheduled for: Monday, May 4th, 2022,
5. Prizes and Value(s). One (1) new Rheem Heating and Air condition System unit from John C. Flood, Inc. The Prize includes basic installation of the new heating and cooling system and does not include any supplemental electrical work. The value of the prize is up to Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000), which will vary based on the specific heating and cooling system needed, as determined by John C. Flood, Inc. The Winner will be notified of the actual Prize value based on the heating and cooling system selected and installed. Installation must occur within thirty (30) days of winning.
6. Winner Notification and Acceptance. Winner(s) will be notified on or about Friday, April 22nd, 2022, at the telephone number used for entry, email address or mailing address provided on Winner’s entry form. Sponsor will call during regular business hours at number provided on entry form and will leave no messages. Failure to reach Winner by phone after three (3) attempts or return of email as undeliverable may result in disqualification of Winner, forfeiture of his or her interest in all prizes, and selection of a substitute winner from among all remaining eligible entries.
Winner may waive his or her right to receive prizes. Prizes are nonassignable and nontransferable.
No substitutions allowed by Winner. Prizes are not redeemable for cash. Prizes and individual components of prize packages are subject to availability and Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal or greater value. Winner is solely responsible for reporting and payment of any taxes on prizes. To claim the prize winner must present a valid photo identification. Winner will be required to complete an affidavit of eligibility/liability and publicity release (except where prohibited by law) which must be returned as instructed by Sponsor. Failure to complete, sign and return the affidavit of release, or to comply with any term or condition of these Official Rules, may result in a Winner’s disqualification, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the prize, and the award of the prize to a substitute winner. Delivery of the prize will be arranged following Sponsor’s receipt of the fully executed affidavit of release. Except where prohibited, acceptance of any prize constitutes Winner’s consent to the publication of his or her name, biographical information and likeness in any media for any commercial or promotional purpose, without limitation the Internet, or further compensation. Prizes not won and claimed by eligible winners in accordance with these Official Rules will not be awarded and will remain the property of Sponsor.
7. Participation. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify persons found tampering with or otherwise abusing any aspect of this Contest as solely determined by Sponsor. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the Contest at any time, for any reason. Should the Contest be terminated prior to the stated expiration date, Sponsor reserves the right to award prizes based on the entries received before the termination date. In the event of a dispute, all text message entries will be deemed to have been submitted by the owner of the wireless phone from which the entry is sent and all online entries will be deemed to have been submitted by the owner of the ISP account from which the entry is sent. For these purposes, an ISP account holder shall mean the natural person assigned to such ISP account by the Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization responsible for assigning ISP addresses for the domain associated with such ISP account. Any questions regarding the number of entries submitted or the owner of an ISP account shall be determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion, and Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entries by persons determined to be tampering with or abusing any aspect of the contest.
9. Sponsor. The WUSA 2022 Wrap Your Home In Love Contest is sponsored by WUSA9 and John C Flood, Inc. The decisions of Sponsor(s) regarding the selection of winners and all other aspects of the Contest shall be final and binding in all respects. Sponsor will not be responsible for typographical, printing or other inadvertent errors in these Official Rules or in other materials relating to the Contest. For the name of Winner(s) (available after Friday, June 3rd , 2022) or a copy of these Official Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to “Winner /Official Rules” (as applicable), “WUSA9 2022 Wrap Your Home In Love”, 4100 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20016. If you have any questions regarding this Contest, please contact Darlene Dyer at (202)-895-5933 or ddyer@wusa9.com.
Contest rules: Text to Win Tickets to I Love Christmas Movies Giveaway Sweepstakes | 2022-03-30T19:00:20Z | www.wusa9.com | RULES: Wrap Your Home In Love contest | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/contests/rules-wrap-your-home-in-love-contest/65-eac50b9b-db13-4f9f-af3b-2609b5a97481 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/contests/rules-wrap-your-home-in-love-contest/65-eac50b9b-db13-4f9f-af3b-2609b5a97481 |
Anti-abortion activist Lauren Handy and eight others are charged with using chains and rope to blockade the Washington Surgi-Clinic in 2020.
WASHINGTON — Nine anti-abortion activists have been indicted on federal felony charges for blocking the entrance to a D.C. clinic in October 2020.
The indictment was unsealed Wednesday in D.C. District Court charging a group of activists from around the country with forcing their way into the Washington Surgi-Clinic on F Street NW and using chains and rope to block the entrance.
Lauren Handy, of Virginia;
According to the indictment, Handy called the clinic pretending to be a woman named “Hazel Jenkins” who needed an abortion and made an appointment for the morning of Oct. 22, 2020. That morning, Handy allegedly approached a clinic employee and said she was Hazel Jenkins there for her appointment. When the employee opened the door, the indictment says, Handy and the other co-defendants forced their way into the clinic. In the process they allegedly knocked the clinic employee over, causing her to injure her ankle.
While inside, Darnell allegedly livestreamed the blockade, saying at one point, “We have people intervening physically with their bodies to prevent women from entering the clinic to murder their children.”
Handy, who founded the anti-abortion group Mercy Missions, has a long history of protests at clinics around the country. In 2019, she and another group of protesters that also included Goodman, were charged with a felony for allegedly resisting arrest at an abortion clinic in Michigan. That charge was reduced earlier this year to misdemeanor trespassing.
Darnell as well has been involved in other anti-abortion protests in the D.C. area. In 2019, WUSA9 reported that he joined a group of protestors who set up outside Dunbar High School with graphic anti-abortion posters. | 2022-03-30T20:32:39Z | www.wusa9.com | Nine anti-abortion activists indicted for blocking DC clinic | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/anti-abortion-protesters-indicted-on-felony-charge-for-blocking-dc-clinic-lauren-handy-william-goodman-jonathan-darnell/65-1f6cd1f5-f5f9-4a05-a640-b0df577f19bd | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/anti-abortion-protesters-indicted-on-felony-charge-for-blocking-dc-clinic-lauren-handy-william-goodman-jonathan-darnell/65-1f6cd1f5-f5f9-4a05-a640-b0df577f19bd |
The two teens are both from DC, as was the victim, 22-year-old Daquan Dockery.
WASHINGTON — Police have arrested two teen boys and charged them with the shooting death of a 22-year-old man inside a mall in Prince George's County.
Daquan Dockery of Washington, D.C., was found dead in a clothing store at the Mall at Prince George's in Hyattsville around 6:30 p.m. on March 25.
The suspects arrested by Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit on Wednesday are both 16-year-old boys from Washington, D.C. They are charged as adults.
Detectives preliminarily said they did not believe this was a random crime and on Wednesday said initially they believe the fatal shooting may have stemmed from a dispute.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call 301-516-2512. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, or use the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device.) Refer to case 22-0014468.
The shooting at the mall came on the heels of another shooting that happened in the block of 2300 Iverson Street in Hillcrest Heights. Officers responded to the scene after 6:30 p.m. on March 25 and found a man shot, but he was expected to survive.
31-year-old Hyattsville man charged with carjacking the ambulance he was being transported in | 2022-03-30T20:32:51Z | www.wusa9.com | 2 16-year-old boys charged with Maryland mall fatal shooting | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/two-16-year-olds-charged-in-shooting-death-of-man-inside-prince-georges-county-mall-hyattsville-maryland-daquan-dockery/65-ba81deee-2d09-478a-95ae-a4b09a39078c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/two-16-year-olds-charged-in-shooting-death-of-man-inside-prince-georges-county-mall-hyattsville-maryland-daquan-dockery/65-ba81deee-2d09-478a-95ae-a4b09a39078c |
Gym teacher who wanted to 'storm the House' sentenced to probation
Kenneth Reda told a judge he was a "free thinker" in his sentencing hearing. He pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count in the case.
WASHINGTON — A Florida P.E. teacher who urged others on the right-wing social media site Parler to overthrow the “KABAL” (sic) on Jan. 6 was sentenced Wednesday to three years of probation.
Kenneth Reda appeared before U.S. District Judge Thomas Hogan for sentencing on one Class “B” misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. The Justice Department asked Hogan to order Reda to serve 60 days of home detention and three years of probation, along with 60 hours of community service.
Prosecutors said before the riot, Reda professed his desire to “storm the [H]ouse during the electoral college vote certification.” He then did enter the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6 and, later, claimed in an interview that he had permission to go inside.
On Parler, prosecutors say, Reda posted throughout December encouraging “patriots” to join him in going to D.C. on Jan. 6 to support former President Donald Trump.
“It is time to organize PATRIOTS we need to get together and organize against this KABAL we need to overthrow it,” Reda wrote.
Reda was a big Parler user who used the site to encourage others to travel to D.C. on January 6.
Judge Hogan compares the rabid energy on J6 to lynch mobs. But also says he weighs the fact that Reda lost his job as a teacher after his arrest. pic.twitter.com/FRhcNc2Fnh
Reda’s attorney, Terrence O’Sullivan, told Hogan his client regretted taking part in the riot and that he’d already suffered consequences, particularly the loss of his teaching job and potentially his teaching license. O’Sullivan said Reda and his wife have also been the subject of a “slew of physical threats,” including one serious enough to warrant reporting it to the FBI.
Before delivering Reda’s sentence, Hogan compared the rabid energy on Jan. 6 to lynch mobs. But, he said, he also weighed heavily the loss of Reda’s job.
Hogan ultimately agreed with the DOJ and sentenced Reda to 60 days of home detention and three years of probation. Reda will also have to pay $500 in restitution. | 2022-03-30T20:33:04Z | www.wusa9.com | Florida gym teacher gets probation in Capitol riot case | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/florida-gym-teacher-sentenced-to-probation-in-capitol-riot-case-kenneth-reda-parler/65-4685a643-3885-4ac3-bcf4-890265d1226a | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/florida-gym-teacher-sentenced-to-probation-in-capitol-riot-case-kenneth-reda-parler/65-4685a643-3885-4ac3-bcf4-890265d1226a |
Artists, curators, historians, community organizers and small business owners were featured in a photoshoot by DC Porchfest for their good deeds.
WASHINGTON — As women's history month comes to a close, one D.C. nonprofit shone the spotlight on a few women from Southeast, helping the District's arts scene to thrive. The women were honored through a creative photoshoot for their contributions to the community.
This was the first time PorchFest D.C., a nonprofit based in Southeast that creates entertainment spaces on lawns and porches in the community, held a photoshoot event featuring honored women in the community.
PorchFest D.C. said they chose women based on their contributions to activism, volunteerism, and advocacy in the community. Artists, curators, historians, community organizers and small business owners were featured in the photoshoot for their good deeds.
The photoshoot took place at the Dorothy Height Mural in Southeast, D.C. Many of the women, though active members of the community, said they had never been recognized and honored for their contributions.
RELATED: Queen Anunay, A DC native with 30+ years in public service, promoted as DC's first woman Assistant Fire Chief | 2022-03-31T13:24:03Z | www.wusa9.com | DC women honored for community contributions | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/women-in-dc-honored-for-contributions-to-community/65-db5100b5-0aba-462c-9368-c93717cce630 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/dc/women-in-dc-honored-for-contributions-to-community/65-db5100b5-0aba-462c-9368-c93717cce630 |
President Biden again promises to meet with imprisoned Marine Trevor Reed's parents, as they stand outside White House
"I'm going to see if I can get to see them," President Biden said Wednesday. "They're good people. We're trying to work that out."
WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Editor's note: President Biden met with the family the broadcast of this story.
The Granbury parents of Russian captive Trevor Reed stood in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. all day Wednesday, hoping to get the attention of President Biden.
They received word, through reporters, that the President does plan to meet with them, eventually.
Trevor Reed, who as a U.S. Marine worked on the security detail for President Obama and then Vice President Biden, has been in a Russian jail for two years and eight months.
It was 22 days ago when Joey and Paula Reed, standing outside a VA hospital in Fort Worth to get the attention of the President's motorcade, received a phone call from the President -- who vowed to set up a private meeting.
"As the President promised us a few weeks ago when he was in Fort Worth, Texas," Joey Reed said Wednesday, as he stood in Lafayette Park next to the White House.
A promise that Paula Reed told WFAA earlier this month did give them hope.
"It only reaffirmed what we thought that he is a kind and compassionate man," she said to WFAA.
But their son has now been held captive in a Russian prison for 956 days on charges his parents believe are purely political. They said his health is failing, they fear he has tuberculosis, and the conditions are harsh.
WNBA star Brittney Griner remains in a Russian prison too. And Canadian-American Paul Whelan, jailed in 2018, was sentenced to serve 16 years.
"And we believe him being probably the most compassionate president we've ever had, that he will do what needs to be done to bring home Trevor and Paul and Brittney from Russia before it's too late."
RELATED: State Department on 'low simmer' diplomatic approach to bring WNBA star Brittney Griner home
"And we have not been able to have a single congressman or senator speak to the president on this matter," Joey Reed said.
"They're trying, but they just haven't been able to get through," Paula Reed added.
But early Wednesday afternoon, shortly after receiving a COVID booster shot, President Biden responded to reporters asking about meeting with the Reed family.
"I'm going to see if I can get to see them," President Biden responded.
"They're good, they're good people," he said. "We're trying to work that out."
But the Reeds from Granbury promise to stay outside the White House until that actually happens.
"We need to get our son home so that he can get medical care and he can get back on with his life," Paula Reed said.
"Everything that our government can give them," Joey Reed said, when asked what he believes to Biden Administration should do. "If that means prisoner trades, then so be it. Let's get our Americans home."
After this broadcast, the family's spokesperson, Jonathon Franks tweeted that the President made good on his promise.
Today, two deserving Americans got to meet their @potus.
Their son, @freetrevorreed has effectively been held hostage in Russia for 957 days for no other reason than he’s a United States Marine. pic.twitter.com/Wh0TfPM9FD
— Jonathan Franks (@jonfranks) March 30, 2022 | 2022-03-31T14:56:21Z | www.wusa9.com | President Biden to meet with Marine Trevor Reed's parents | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/president-biden-again-promises-to-meet-with-marine-trevor-reeds-parents/287-e2661aed-fd41-401c-ae5d-11ce848c50d4 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/nation-world/president-biden-again-promises-to-meet-with-marine-trevor-reeds-parents/287-e2661aed-fd41-401c-ae5d-11ce848c50d4 |
Montgomery County State's Attorney expects Hogan to sign Maryland ghost gun bill
'I would be surprised if he did not sign this bill' | Montgomery Co. States Attorney expects Hogan to support ghost gun ban
Montgomery Co. State's Attorney expects MD Gov. Larry Hogan to support ghost gun ban
It can happen to you, that’s the reminder from one ANC Commissioner.
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Editor's Note: The video above was published on March 17, 2022.
It’s an age-old reminder, hide your belongings if you have to leave them in the car. But we all can admit, we don’t always do what we know is best.
After dining out Wednesday night, Ward 8 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANC) representative Salim Adofo said he and friends came out to shattered glass and several items gone.
“I saw glass everywhere and I noticed that the items in the back of the car was gone,” Adofo explained.
The neighborhood commissioner said he lost cell phones, a laptop and a purse.
“To be honest, it's a lot of mixed emotions," said Adofo. "We really want the stuff back, just trying to deal with you know, you lose a lot of those things and I use those things to help the community. So, now I have to wait a little while longer to try to get into a space to help the community. And I'm usually on the other end of helping people resolve some of those issues, now I'm somebody that needs help to get this issue resolved."
Adofo claims it took only a few moments for D.C. Police to show up when they called them on the corner of Otis Place and Georgia Ave NW. While the ordeal has left him and his friends a little shaken, he said he’s more concerned with helping the person who stole their things.
"You can bring it by the ANC office, just return the stuff and we'll just let it go because we really need those items to help the community. And if you're in need of something, you know some resources, I'm the person that can help you get to the resources that you need," Adofo said.
It can happen to anyone. .@salimadofo has a message for the person(s) who broke into their car last night and stole some items. .@wusa9 pic.twitter.com/wgYYViPFqP
Adofo said he didn’t see any other cars with broken windows in the area.
WUSA9 asked D.C. Police if this may have been a part of a string of car break-ins, we’re waiting to hear back. | 2022-03-31T21:07:36Z | www.wusa9.com | ANC Commissioner becomes victim of a DC car break-in | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/anc-commissioner-salim-adofo-car-broken-into/65-f73eb787-aef4-44cb-b080-df2d5f1291ce | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/anc-commissioner-salim-adofo-car-broken-into/65-f73eb787-aef4-44cb-b080-df2d5f1291ce |
Planners say two large residential buildings proposed for the site still need a permit.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A big project aiming to change the landscape of Alexandria along the river is making progress, according to city planners. The first phase of the planned Potomac Yard development includes the Potomac Yard Metro station, which had its opening date pushed back to later this year.
The Potomac Yard Metrorail Implementation Work Group presented the update on the proposed project on Monday. Principal Planner Dirk Geratz showed designs of the first phase of the development, a 19-acre property along Potomac Avenue where the Regal Cinema used to sit.
Three buildings for the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus are already under construction. There are 600,000 square feet of academic space set to open by Fall 2024.
Crews have also begun work on the pumping station on the north side of the first phase and the infrastructure, which includes grating and utilities built underground.
"A lot of prep work has to be done before you can even get started on paving the streets," Geratz said.
The first phase also outlines a large green space seven buildings making up seven million square feet.
"When it's all complete, we have a walking and biking connection so it'll be an impressive strip of green space," he said.
As the Metro station makes progress, Geratz said the north pavilion is nearly complete.
According to Metro, the station was delayed because engineers determined that the original design of the Automatic Train Control (ATC) system did not meet all necessary safety requirements. While the opening day may be delayed, Metro claims construction on the station will continue mostly on schedule.
Two large resident buildings planned near the Metro station are still in the planning process. They are still needing a building permit before construction can start, according to Geratz.
The completion of the entire project will take several years since a second phase is included. The other phase already consists of retail space and a parking lot just south of Potomac Avenue.
RELATED: Metro approves $4.5B budget, announces delays to Silver Line expansion
RELATED: Potomac Yard Metro station opening day delayed by at least 5 months | 2022-03-31T21:07:48Z | www.wusa9.com | Potomac Yard development sees progress amid Metro construction | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/potomac-yard-development-continues-construction-as-metro-inches-closer-to-opening/65-287d40d5-a540-40f7-9b3a-7f4c8ba6e3bd | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/potomac-yard-development-continues-construction-as-metro-inches-closer-to-opening/65-287d40d5-a540-40f7-9b3a-7f4c8ba6e3bd |
Maryland man found guilty of stabbing woman to death in 2014
Man found guilty of murder after stabbing woman 47 times in her bedroom in 2014
Man found guilty of 2014 murder tried to send letter with information on where witnesses lived
5 fetuses collected inside DC home of anti-abortion activist, police say
The victim, 39-year-old Tracy Womack, was in her bedroom when she was stabbed 47 times.
WASHINGTON — Editor's Note: The video above is reporting on a separate homicide case in D.C.
A jury on Wednesday found a 42-year-old Maryland man guilty of stabbing a woman to death in Southeast D.C. more than seven years ago.
According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the deadly attack happened on Sept. 20, 2014, in an apartment on Benning Road in Southeast.
The victim, 39-year-old Tracy Womack, was in her bedroom after hanging out with people in the area.
"After enjoying a normal weekend evening with neighbors and friends, Ms. Womack went into her bedroom, fully clothed, to go to sleep," the DOJ explained.
Friends were sitting in Womack's living room while she was in her room getting ready to go to sleep when they saw Mark Bowser, 42, walk into the unlocked apartment and then enter Womack's bedroom before closing the door behind him.
One friend told officials they ran for help after they couldn't get the bedroom door open.
When Bowser came out, Womack had been stabbed 47 times and was cut on her face, neck, torso, arms, and hands. Bowser then lunged at one of the friends in the apartment with a knife before running away.
Womack was taken to a nearby hospital for help but died from her injuries.
Bowser was arrested the next day and has been in custody ever since.
While waiting for the trial, the DOJ claims Bowser tried to mail a letter instructing someone to find the two witnesses who he said was lying about what happened. The letter named the two friends who were in the apartment at the time of the attack. The letter also included a diagram of exactly where one of the witnesses lived and how to use that witness to find the second witness.
That letter was intercepted by the District of Columbia Department of Corrections after noting a discrepancy on the envelope. The letter was never delivered.
Bowser was found guilty on March 30, 2022, of first-degree murder while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon of a second victim, a related weapons offense for the knife, and two counts of obstructing justice. He faces a minimum sentence of 30 years for the murder conviction alone.
Man arrested for 2021 deadly shooting of special police officer
WATCH NEXT: Murder of a young mother in her driveway shocks neighbors in Loudoun county | 2022-03-31T22:39:13Z | www.wusa9.com | Man found guilty of stabbing woman to death in DC in 2014 | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/maryland-man-found-guilty-stabbing-woman-death-2014-tracy-womack-mark-bowser/65-7a30a282-e234-46c5-9225-2a2219ee1a08 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/maryland-man-found-guilty-stabbing-woman-death-2014-tracy-womack-mark-bowser/65-7a30a282-e234-46c5-9225-2a2219ee1a08 |
VERIFY: Yes, data shows young women made more than young men in 22 metros in 2019, including DC, NYC
New data from the Pew Research Center indicates that women under 30 made more than their male counterparts in 2019. But this needs context.
WASHINGTON — As Women's History Month comes to a close, new data from the Pew Research Center indicates that there has been progress in narrowing the gender pay gap. This has been especially pronounced for younger women in the workplace.
The study found that among fulltime, yearround workers in 2019, women's median earnings were 82% of their male counterparts. However women under 30 made 93 cents on the dollar, compared to men in the same age group.
The data also indicates that these young women made equal to or more than their male counterparts in 22 metro areas, including D.C., Los Angeles, and New York City.
Did young women make more than young men in some major metro areas in 2019?
Pew Research Center, "Young Women Are Out-Earning young Men in Several U.S. Cities"
Pew Research Center, Dataset
Richard Fry, Senior Researcher at Pew Research Center
Dr. Eiko Strader, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies at The George Washington University
Nadia Brown, Professor at Georgetown University
Yes. Young women, under 30, made equal to or more than young men in 22 metro areas, including D.C., Los Angeles and New York City in 2019.
The gender pay gap has been an issue for generations, and a recent study indicates that it persists, although it's narrowing.
The Pew Research Center looked through statistics from the 2019 Census, breaking down the median earnings for fulltime, yearlong workers under 30-years-old.
The data found that nationwide women made $0.93 on the dollar compared to men, and improvement from past decades.
"Back in 2000, young women were earning $0.88 on the dollar compared to young men," Richard Fry, who conducted the research, said in an interview with WUSA9.
Fry said this was a sign of improving wages for women, although it's unclear how this gender gap will change as these workers age.
"Something has happened over the 20 years," he said.
The data also found that there were 22 metro areas where young women made the same or more than their male counterparts.
"About 16% of the young women's workforce lives in those 22 metros," he said. "So it's not one in five. But it's still not trivial."
According to a detailed table from the Pew Research Center, numerous major markets saw a narrowing gender gap. In some large metro markets, young women made more than men.
Chicago metro young women earn 94% of what young men earn yearly.
Boston metro young women earn 95% of what young men earn yearly.
Dallas metro young women earn 95% of what young men earn yearly.
Houston metro young women earn 95% of what young men earn yearly.
Philadelphia metro young women earn 95% of what young men earn yearly.
San Francisco metro young women earn 98% of what young men earn yearly.
Atlanta metro young women earn 99% of what young men earn yearly.
Los Angeles metro young women earn 100% of what young men earn yearly.
Washington D.C. metro young women earn 102% of what young men earn yearly.
New York City metro young women earn 102% of what young men earn yearly.
For added context, our team spoke with Nadia Brown, a professor at Georgetown University, and Dr. Eiko Strader from the George Washington University. They both agreed that this data needs context.
"if this were my student putting this together," said Brown. "I would say 'oh, that's interesting. But tell me more.'"
Strader said that one limitation has to do with the fact that this data only looked at fulltime workers.
"More women still work as part-time workers," she said. "So if we include parttime work — parttime employed women — the gender wage gap is still there."
Looking at younger workers may also not be the best indicator, since the gender gap often grows, as women age.
"On average, women — you know — tend to earn less or they get hit on their wages when they become mothers — when they have kids," said Strader.
The narrowing gender gap among young women might be a sign that less women are having children under 30.
"We know so many millennials and Gen Z (women) who have put off having children," said Brown. "And that has been really apparent in this pandemic."
Brown also said that this big picture perspective, may overlook disparities among certain demographics.
"I don't expect Black women's pay to be as high," she said. "[I also don't expect] Latinx women's pay to be as high or Native Women's pay to be as high.
To look over the Pew Research Center study, click here.
Authorities seek suspect seen on video violently abusing dog in Southeast DC | 2022-04-01T00:10:17Z | www.wusa9.com | Gender Gap Narrowing; Young Women Made More Than Men In DC, NYC | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/verify-yes-young-women-are-making-more-than-young-men-in-22-metros-including-dc-and-nyc-wage-george-washington-university-georgetown-pew-research-cent/65-8a4675cd-96e4-4f86-b380-7d0f2e9990f0 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/verify-yes-young-women-are-making-more-than-young-men-in-22-metros-including-dc-and-nyc-wage-george-washington-university-georgetown-pew-research-cent/65-8a4675cd-96e4-4f86-b380-7d0f2e9990f0 |
MPD are on the scene of what they say began as a verbal altercation and lead to a stabbing in the 1800 block of U St NW.
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Officers with the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating what they believe started as a fight and lead to the stabbing of three women and a man.
An official with the department told WUSA9 that a fight broke out inside of an establishment at 18th and U Street NW sometime overnight. During the fight, a person involved pulled out a knife while another pulled out a "baton-style weapon." At least four people were injured.
All four victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment and are expected to survive.
Police have made several arrests in this case and information on charges and identification will be released once the investigation is finalized. | 2022-04-01T13:47:52Z | www.wusa9.com | Fight on U Street leads to multiple stabbings | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-investigate-u-street-stabbings-started-as-verbal-fight-turned-physical/65-2d4d81cf-194a-42d5-861c-f3044e721583 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/police-investigate-u-street-stabbings-started-as-verbal-fight-turned-physical/65-2d4d81cf-194a-42d5-861c-f3044e721583 |
Handy is a leader of the group Progressive Anti-Abortion (PAAU) and a self-described "Catholic anarcho mutualist" working with young anti-abortion activists.
Author: Laura Wainman, Jordan Fischer, Victoria Dugger, Bruce Leshan, Nathan Baca (WUSA9), Susan Phillips
WASHINGTON — What began as DC Police investigating a tip of biohazard material being stored in a Capitol Hill rowhouse has spiraled into a discovery of fetuses and allegations of violations of abortion laws.
DC Police discovered five fetuses at the home of an anti-abortion activist in Capitol Hill on Wednesday. Lauren Handy, a 28-year-old from Alexandria, was the occupant of the home, and had been indicted along with nine others earlier that day by a federal grand jury. She was accused of felony "conspiracy against rights" for a blockade inside a D.C. abortion clinic in October 2020.
In the indictment unsealed Wednesday, prosecutors say Handy called the clinic pretending to be a woman named “Hazel Jenkins” who needed an abortion and made an appointment for the morning of Oct. 22, 2020. That morning, Handy allegedly approached a clinic employee and said she was Hazel Jenkins and was there for her appointment. When the employee opened the door, the indictment says, Handy and the other co-defendants forced their way into the clinic. In the process they allegedly knocked a clinic employee over, causing her to injure her ankle.
If convicted, Handy and her co-defendants each face up to 11 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $350,000.
WUSA9 reporters were outside a Capitol Hill rowhome occupied by Handy when DC Police homicide and forensic services detectives took evidence out in red biohazard bags and coolers from the rowhouse's basement.
Handy declined to speak on camera but told WUSA9 she expected the raid to happen "sooner or later." She also declined to say what was in the coolers, saying only that "people would freak out when they heard."
And freak out they did, when DC Police confirmed to WUSA9 on Thursday that what was taken out of the house were the remains of five fetuses.
DC Police Executive Assist. Chief of Police Ashan M. Benedict told reporters the fetuses appeared to have been aborted in accordance with D.C. law.
ABOUT LAUREN HANDY
Handy is a leader of the group Progressive Anti-Abortion (PAAU) and a self-described "Catholic anarcho mutualist" specializing in reaching young anti-abortion activists. Her bio also says she creates "trans inclusive spaces within the pro-life movement."
Tweets from the group stated that it plans to address the claims surrounding the "5 deceased children" at a press conference in D.C. on April 5. PAAU claims that before the arrest, an anti-abortion activist "privately arranged for the Washington, D.C., Police homicide unit to pick up five recently-discovered bodies of aborted babies for forensic examination." That has not yet been confirmed by police.
The group further claimed that the fetuses were given to police based on PAAU's suspicion that the abortions were conducted in possible violation of the federal Partial Birth Abortion Act and the Born Alive Protection Act. These claims have not yet been addressed by law enforcement.
PAAU says that at its news conference on April 5, it will address where the fetuses came from and how many in total were acquired besides the five in police custody, claiming there are more fetuses that have not been turned over to police.
Police have not yet commented on any other remains. WUSA9 reached out to both Handy and PAAU for comment but has not received a response from either attempt.
Handy is due in federal court Monday at 11 a.m.
LAUREN HANDY PAST LEGAL ISSUES
Handy, who founded the anti-abortion group Mercy Missions, hasn't limited her anti-abortion activities to D.C. In 2019, she and another group of protesters, which also included William Goodman of Michigan, were charged with a felony for allegedly resisting arrest at an abortion clinic in Michigan. That charge was reduced earlier this year to misdemeanor trespassing. Goodman is one of the nine indicted along with Handy in the October 2020 incident.
Handy's co-defendant Darnel also has been involved in other anti-abortion protests in the D.C. area. In 2019, WUSA9 reported that he joined a group of protestors who set up outside Dunbar High School with graphic anti-abortion posters. | 2022-04-01T16:56:34Z | www.wusa9.com | Who is Lauren Handy, the woman with 5 fetuses in DC home | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/who-is-lauren-handy-fetuses-found-in-capitol-hill-home-founder-of-progressive-anti-abortion-dc-fetuses-found-paau/65-8338cdf3-9d9f-498b-8572-885567ef8678 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/crime/who-is-lauren-handy-fetuses-found-in-capitol-hill-home-founder-of-progressive-anti-abortion-dc-fetuses-found-paau/65-8338cdf3-9d9f-498b-8572-885567ef8678 |
Many retailers are charging five cents at checkout per each plastic bag used, while some bags, like those used for meat, seafood and vegetables, are exempt.
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Falls Church is now charging five cents for every plastic bag used at a host of retailers within the city in an effort to discourage single-use disposable bags and promote environmentalism.
Approximately 20 stores are affected by the new tax, which went into effect on April 1. Mandated participants include grocery stores, convenience stores and drug stores.
The city is joining the City of Alexandria, Arlington County and Fairfax County, which all had their taxes start on Jan. 1. The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2020 that lets municipalities put the ordinances in place.
Shoppers should keep in mind that some plastic bags, like those used for meat, seafood and vegetables, are exempt. All customers can avoid tacking the extra cents onto their bill by bringing reusable bags or requesting paper bags instead.
The city said that revenue from the tax will go toward environmental cleanup programs, pollution and litter mitigation programs, educational programs on environmental waste reduction and providing reusable bags to neighbors in need.
"Plastic bags frequently end up in local watersheds, polluting our natural landscapes and negatively impacting the fish and wildlife that depend on clean waterways," the city explains on its website. "The plastic bag tax is intended to influence consumer behavior by discouraging consumers from using single-use disposable plastic bags, thereby reducing plastic bag residue in our local streams, rivers and lakes."
The city also specified that, if you are a SNAP or WIC beneficiary, you can pick up a bag from Housing and Human Services in City Hall (300 Park Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
All questions regarding the reusable bag giveaway can be directed to Housing and Human Services by emailing hhsinfo@fallschurchva.gov or calling 703-248-5005 (TTY 711).
"In terms of overall energy use, the friendliest bag option is a reusable shopping bag," city communications stated. "Making the switch to a reusable bag saves about 53 megawatt (MW) of energy per year, as well as 7 liters of water."
Governor Hogan announces agreement on 'largest tax cut package in state history.' So who benefits? | 2022-04-01T16:56:40Z | www.wusa9.com | 5-cent plastic bag tax begins in Falls Church, Virginia April 1 | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/falls-church-virginia-plastic-bag-tax-begins/65-1c0583f5-c716-412d-8d42-5e9e18d7eceb | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/falls-church-virginia-plastic-bag-tax-begins/65-1c0583f5-c716-412d-8d42-5e9e18d7eceb |
Admissions policy allowed to continue at Thomas Jefferson High School for now, federal court says
Federal court says controversial admissions policy can continue for fall 2022 applicants at Thomas Jefferson High School
The announcement comes after debate regarding if and how the admissions policy should change at one of the most prestigious high schools in America.
FAIRFAX, Va. — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit announced Friday that the current admissions process can continue for at least the most recent applicant pool at Fairfax County's Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, although a judge recently ruled that it is discriminatory toward Asian Americans.
Fairfax Schools said a change at this point would cause "uncertainty and distress" among the current applicant pool, as well as significant operational issues.
The announcement comes after an ongoing debate regarding if and how the admissions policy should change at one of the most prestigious high schools in America.
US News and World Report named Thomas Jefferson the top high school in the country in 2020, and the school is regionally known as a “Governor’s School.” According to the Virginia Department of Education, Governor’s Schools give gifted students academic, visual and performing arts opportunities beyond what is normally available at their locally zoned school.
In 2020, some individuals affiliated with the school noted the demographic makeup as a point of concern, saying the student population was not as diverse as it could be. In an effort to address that concern, Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Brabrand proposed changing the admissions policy.
RELATED: Proposed change to admissions policy sparks debate at Fairfax County school
Several changes took effect in December 2020 following an equity review. They included removing the standardized admissions test and the $100 application fee. Board members also approved raising the minimum GPA from 3.0 to 3.5, expanding the freshman class from 480 to 550 and ensuring they came from the top 1.5% of applications from every middle school.
However, In February 2022, U.S. District Court Judge Claude Hilton ruled that the changes discriminate against Asian American students. The ruling found that impermissible "racial balancing" was at the core of the initial overhaul.
The Coalition for TJ, the group of parents who challenged the admissions process in court with help from the conservative Pacific Legal Foundation, said in a statement at the time that it "is thrilled by Judge Claude Hilton's clear renunciation of racism and discrimination and his powerful defense of equality."
RELATED: Admissions policies discriminate at Thomas Jefferson High School in Fairfax County, judge says
School board officials continue to stress that the initial change to the admissions process was developed to create greater access and opportunity for students throughout the county.
Fairfax County schools originally requested a stay regarding the judge’s ruling on the new admissions process in mid-March 2022, which will now allow the current application process for the next class to remain unaffected by the judge's ruling. FCPS will consider next steps for subsequent classes, they stated.
RELATED: 'Everyone has a right to be here’ | Protests continue over proposed admission changes to prestigious FCPS high school | 2022-04-01T18:28:57Z | www.wusa9.com | Fairfax County federal court allows admissions policy to continue | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-fairfax-county-federal-court-allows-controversial-admissions-policy-to-continue-for-fall-2022-applicants-at-thomas-jefferson-high-school/65-06a19b5c-f503-4a86-8873-0597a65ba4ef | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-fairfax-county-federal-court-allows-controversial-admissions-policy-to-continue-for-fall-2022-applicants-at-thomas-jefferson-high-school/65-06a19b5c-f503-4a86-8873-0597a65ba4ef |
Lonnie Leroy Coffman will receive credit for the more than 13 months he's already served behind bars.
WASHINGTON — An Alabama man who drove to D.C. on Jan. 6 with an “armory” of weapons in his truck – including nearly a dozen Molotov cocktails – was sentenced Friday to 46 months behind bars.
Lonnie Leroy Coffman, 72, of Falkville, Alabama, pleaded guilty in November to two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of carrying a pistol without a license.
According to Coffman’s attorney, Manuel Retureta, he drove to D.C. on Jan. 6 because he wanted to “investigate the allegations of fraud he had heard from media outlets.” Coffman did not participate in the assault on the U.S. Capitol Building, but was arrested when he returned to his vehicle, where police found a cache of weapons, including a 9mm handgun, rifle, shotgun, crossbow, machetes, camouflage smoke devices, a stun gun and a cooler containing 11 Molotov cocktails. Police said Coffman also had another 9mm handgun and a .22-caliber revolver on him as he walked around D.C. on Jan. 6.
Nearly a dozen Molotov cocktails were found in a cooler in Lonnie Coffman's truck in D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021.
Retureta argued in his sentencing memo that Coffman should be given timed served in recognition of the more than 13 months he had already spent in custody since his arrest last January. But prosecutors wanted him to serve 46 months in prison.
In court Friday, assistant U.S. attorney Michael Friedman said Coffman had been involved in “deeply disturbing militia activity.” According to his sentencing memo, that included taking part in armed patrols along the Texas border to look for undocumented immigrants. Coffman was reportedly staying in a militia gathering point called “Camp Lonestar” with a militia group calling themselves the “American Patriots.”
"The key question to me is... what was the purpose of driving to D.C. with all of these weapons in his possession?" Judge Kollar-Kotelly asks.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly said she was greatly concerned by the amount of weapons Coffman had with him when he came to D.C.
"I don't think in all my years as a judge I've had quite such a collection of weapons to deal with," Kollar-Kotelly said. "These are very serious offenses. This is a large number of guns unregistered and unlicensed. Machetes. A crossbow. And these Molotov cocktails..."
Kollar-Kotelly ultimately sentenced Coffman to 46 months in jail, with credit for the time he’s already served, as well as three years of probation. Coffman will also have to submit to mandatory mental health treatment. | 2022-04-01T18:29:03Z | www.wusa9.com | AL man who brought Molotov cocktails to DC sentenced to prison | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/alabama-man-who-brought-guns-molotov-cocktails-to-dc-sentenced-to-46-months-in-prison-lonnie-coffman-militia-texas-border-camp-lonestar/65-8b9b6175-a892-43a5-a5d9-859c36a1ae3c | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/national/capitol-riots/alabama-man-who-brought-guns-molotov-cocktails-to-dc-sentenced-to-46-months-in-prison-lonnie-coffman-militia-texas-border-camp-lonestar/65-8b9b6175-a892-43a5-a5d9-859c36a1ae3c |
Commanders president: New stadium to have a dome, will not being going to a highest bidder
WUSA9 spoke 1-1 to Jason Wright, Commanders president, about where the team plans to invest its new stadium and the diminishing support for the team in the DMV.
Author: Eric Flack, Deirdre Byrne, Laura Wainman
WASHINGTON — Editor's Note: The video above originally aired March 29.
Washington Commanders President Jason Wright made a few promises Friday about what fans can expect from the next home of the team, and even gave Prince George's County hope of a future at FedEx Field.
In a one-on-one interview with WUSA9, the president of the franchise offered his own insight on the location of the Commanders stadium, as leaders in Northern Virginia, D.C. and Maryland have all been publicly speaking out about where the team's home games should be played.
Wright emphasized that the location and design of the next stadium will not be something created by team management alone, but rather an "economic development project" that must be considered by all three jurisdictions vying for the stadium.
"Whether it's Maryland, D.C. or Virginia, this is first and foremost about what they need to create in terms of economic outcomes for the next 30 years for their citizens," Wright said. "It needs to be aligned with the objectives of community leaders and government leaders."
Wright mentioned four design principles that he said will be considered for any location proposal, in order to safeguard the "legacy of the team": intimacy, authenticity, connection and unity.
Though Wright made it clear the team expects a financial investment in some form where ever it builds a new stadium, as part of a partnership with the jurisdiction hosting the stadium, he said it's not just a matter of going with the highest bidder.
"That's not at all how we're looking at this ... it's such a mischaracterization of the process," Wright argued. "It's not inciting a big bidding war, it's just actually the due diligence of finding one of the few places in the area that can accommodate 100 to 200 acres, true development of the scale that we think is appropriate."
Wright added that the proposals in D.C., Maryland and Virginia can't be looked at as "apples to apples" because the opportunities each region affords are unique.
"The dollar amounts mean something different based on the nature of the site, so it's really about the community telling us what their vision is," Wright said. "It's not about giving Dan money. It's about providing a destination experience for the community."
Wright also made clear the team does expect a financial investment in some form where ever it builds new stadium, but "it's not about giving Dan money" and "it's not inciting a bidding war, it's just actually the due diligence of finding" the proper site for stadium vision @wusa9 https://t.co/pEk3jThzJJ
Wright's sit-down comes two days after WUSA9 reported that Virginia lawmakers were planning to slash the stadium financing package it planned to offer Commanders owner Dan Snyder by 65% from $1 billion to $350 million. However, Virginia has proposed three sites for a potential stadium: Potomac Shores in Dumfries, Woodbridge and the Loudoun Quarries.
When asked to respond to one unnamed Virginia senator's claims that Virginia reduced its financial package because the team's fanbase has eroded, Wright called that "one man's opinion."
"It's not that any of that is untrue, about how the fan base eroded over time," Wright admitted. "What is also true at the same time is that it's on an upswing, a very sharp upswing, and that's the momentum that exists ... In the numbers, there is enthusiasm for this team."
RELATED: Internal documents reveal potential locations of Washington Commanders new stadium
D.C. and Maryland have both said unequivocally that they would not offer any taxpayer money to help Snyder build a stadium. However, they would offer funding for infrastructure improvements and development around the new facility.
Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is seemingly open to investing hundreds of millions of dollars in development around the stadium, but is opposed to giving Snyder taxpayer dollars to build the stadium itself.
Wright added that any investment in a new stadium cannot take away from the team's current commitment to the fan experience at FedEx Field.
"We can't do that to our fans. So we're going to create a great experience [at FedEx]. But there will be a world-class, next-generation experience in a new venue. And that will just add to the momentum we have already."
Even at $350 million, Virginia’s stadium package remains the most lucrative being offered to Snyder and the Commanders. The stadium bill will be up for final passage during a special session of the Virginia legislature next week.
While Wright's interview possibly created more questions than answers -- including whether the team would really leave FedEx, given his comment that he "can't close the door on anything at this stage" -- he was definitive about one thing. Wherever the Commanders lay claim next, the stadium will have a dome.
"Wherever this lands, it needs to not just be a 15-event-a-year venue," Wright said. "It needs to be something that can draw 90-100 events a year because that's what any community deserves."
House oversight committee investigating possible financial improprieties of Washington Commanders | 2022-04-01T18:29:09Z | www.wusa9.com | Jason Wright commits to domed Commanders stadium, but little else | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/washington-commanders-future-stadium-jason-wright-will-have-dome-not-highest-bidder-situation/65-6913dfa5-9a84-4907-9265-184843c7a152 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/washington-commanders-future-stadium-jason-wright-will-have-dome-not-highest-bidder-situation/65-6913dfa5-9a84-4907-9265-184843c7a152 |
CUMBERLAND, Va. — Editor's Note: The video above was published in October 2021 and deals with a different dog abuse case.
Two Virginia senators have expressed horror after learning of alleged animal welfare violations at an Envigo breeding and research facility in Cumberland
“It is clear to us that Envigo has been derelict in its duty to provide for the humane care of its dogs, and is unable to abide by the basic standards set forth by the Animal Welfare Act,” wrote Warner and Kaine. “The role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in ensuring humane treatment of animals extends beyond routine and focused inspections. Congress has provided USDA with broad authority to apply penalties to violators of the Animal Welfare Act. To our knowledge, APHIS has not yet exercised such authority despite Envigo’s repeated failures in providing adequate care to the 5,000 dogs entrusted to its care.” | 2022-04-01T19:58:54Z | www.wusa9.com | Virginia Senators want dog breeding facility stripped of license | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-senators-dog-breeding-facility-stripped-license-months-animal-welfare-violations/65-f5cd9417-e72e-41f2-9e4d-f1798e59da02 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/virginia-senators-dog-breeding-facility-stripped-license-months-animal-welfare-violations/65-f5cd9417-e72e-41f2-9e4d-f1798e59da02 |
More than 100 people have signed up for the memorial march which will begin and end at the Marina on Daingerfield Island.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Families and supporters will take part in a memorial march in Alexandria, Virginia Saturday to honor the Filipino and American soldiers who endured the Bataan Death March.
In April 1942, between 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American soldiers were forcibly taken by the Imperial Japanese Army. The prisoners of war were forced to march 66 miles. Ten thousand prisoners died, 9,000 of whom were Filipinos.
More than 100 people have signed up for the memorial march which will begin and end at the Marina on Daingerfield Island. The march will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 1 p.m.
People can walk 14, 10 or six miles to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Bataan Death March.
Among those marching is Gina Ortiz Jones, Under Secretary of the U.S. Air Force and the highest-ranking Filipino American official in the Biden Administration.
Decades later, more Filipino veterans are just now being recognized for helping U.S. during WWII
Breathtaking mural on Filipino basketball court honors Kobe Bryant, Gianna
Filipino filmmaker tells untold story of Philippines' safe harbor for Jews during Holocaust
WATCH NEXT: Thousands anticipated to #StandWithUkraine during rally at Lincoln Memorial
Crowds of Ukrainian supporters are expected to gather at the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday to call for more United States aid in the fight against the Russian invasion that has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians and led to millions more fleeing to safety.
Alexandria City Police Officer is OK after getting struck by vehicle | 2022-04-01T23:05:38Z | www.wusa9.com | Memorial held in Alexandria 80 years after Bataan Death March | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/alexandria/2022-bataan-memorial-death-march-alexandria-virginia/65-d7d51ec1-a240-4b5a-a485-fc55b11351b3 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/alexandria/2022-bataan-memorial-death-march-alexandria-virginia/65-d7d51ec1-a240-4b5a-a485-fc55b11351b3 |
Jonathan Darnel is also facing a trespassing charge in Alexandria for refusing to leave a women's health clinic in November.
ARLINGTON, Va. — One of the nine anti-abortion activists - an Arlington man - federally charged for allegedly forcing their way into a clinic in D.C. and blocking the entrance is responding to the accusations.
In a statement to WUSA9, Jonathan Darnel of Arlington said, "Any inconvenience, pain or ostracization I will suffer in the course of this upcoming legal wrangling is nothing compared to the suffering and abandonment preborn kids suffer daily."
"I should count myself blessed to be as lucky as I've been, and hopeful that through my testimony they will find some dignity at last. Praise God and may America return to Him."
An indictment this week charges Darnel and eight other defendants - including Lauren Handy, from whose home five fetuses were recovered on Wednesday - with conspiracy against rights and clinic access obstruction. The first count is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison.
All of them are accused of using chains and rope to block people from entering Washington Surgi-Clinic on F Street NW.
Darnel allegedly live-streamed the blockade, saying at one point, “We have people intervening physically with their bodies to prevent women from entering the clinic to murder their children.”
His co-defendant Handy pretended to be a woman named “Hazel Jenkins” who needed an abortion and made an appointment for the morning of Oct. 22, 2020, according to the indictment.
On Wednesday, authorities said they removed five fetuses from the Capitol Hill basement apartment where Hardy lived.
In a Facebook post that appeared to have been deleted on Friday morning, Darnel said, "There is no shame in being persecuted for doing the right thing."
The same post also linked a YouTube video to a channel under the same name that claimed to capture the FBI arresting an activist from their home at night, although when and where are unclear. An FBI spokesperson said the agency would not be able to verify the video.
Through the Facebook group DC Area Anti-Abortion Advocacy, Darnel could be seen hosting live videos while holding anti-abortion protests across the DMV.
In 2019, WUSA9 reported that he joined a group of protesters who set up outside Dunbar High School with graphic anti-abortion posters.
In January 2021, Darnel faced charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing in Montgomery County. Court documents said when he refused orders to leave a clinic in Silver Spring, police had to physically take him out. A Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office spokesperson said the charges were eventually dismissed.
Credit: DC Area Anti-Abortion Advocacy
There is still an active case against Darnel in the Alexandria General District Court after an incident in November 2021. The warrant said he was charged with trespassing for refusing to leave the Alexandria Women's Health Clinic.
A video posted on the same Facebook group showed him following the rest of the protesters into the lobby of the clinic where some members began singing and urging people entering the clinic not to get an abortion.
WUSA9 visited the address in Arlington listed on the court documents for Darnel. Neighbors said they never have seen him before but claimed the house is owned by a doctor.
A woman who answered the door said she does not know Darnel. A pickup truck parked outside the house had tags that said, "Choose Life." | 2022-04-01T23:05:56Z | www.wusa9.com | Anti-abortion activist federally charged responds to allegations | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/anti-abortion-advocate-federally-charged-responds-to-allegations-of-blocking-dc-clinic/65-29d1c83a-3e73-4f3f-857a-1fbbadf04b71 | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/anti-abortion-advocate-federally-charged-responds-to-allegations-of-blocking-dc-clinic/65-29d1c83a-3e73-4f3f-857a-1fbbadf04b71 |
The measure approved Thursday aims to boost the state’s current goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 40% of 2006 levels to 60% by 2031.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers gave final approval Thursday to a broad measure to cut greenhouse gas emissions, sending the bill to Gov. Larry Hogan who has called it a “reckless and controversial energy tax bill.”
While the measure isn't as expansive as initially proposed, it aims to boost the state’s current goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 40% of 2006 levels to 60% by 2031. It also sets a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 in the state. That means at least as much carbon would be removed from the atmosphere as what’s being emitted.
“This bill takes many, many steps," said Sen. Paul Pinsky, a Prince George's County Democrat who was the bill's chief sponsor. "So, the question before us is: do we want to help shape our future, our history of our state and our planet, or do we want to sit on the sidelines, silent?"
Opponents decried the bill's cost, echoing Hogan's energy tax label.
The legislation was scaled back from the initial proposal under strong opposition from utilities and construction companies, who objected to a provision that would have required newly constructed buildings to use electricity for heating and hot water, rather than oil and natural gas, by 2024. Instead, the state's Public Service Commission will study the impact of electrifying buildings.
DC Attorney General files complaint against Pepco for 'systemically mishandling' solar panel project | 2022-04-02T03:38:58Z | www.wusa9.com | Maryland lawmakers send climate change bill to governor | wusa9.com | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-lawmakers-send-climate-change-bill-to-governor-hogan/65-acbb4cd8-0849-4ce2-8a9c-e6b65947530d | https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/maryland-lawmakers-send-climate-change-bill-to-governor-hogan/65-acbb4cd8-0849-4ce2-8a9c-e6b65947530d |
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