July 29, 2011
Lawmakers still at odds with four days to go
Despite warning from President Barack Obama that “we’re almost out of time,” both House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid declared their intentions to press on with their debt-limit bills despite only four days until the government defaults. In a message from the White House, the president stated, “The power to solve this is in our hands on a day when we’ve been reminded how fragile the economy already is.” The major dispute between both parties is over future big spending cuts. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 29, 2011
Rosa Parks essay reveals attempted rape story
Long before she became famous for not moving from her seat at the front of the bus, Rosa Parks, “the mother of the Civil Rights movement,” wrote a detailed account of nearly being raped by a white male in 1931. Parks, who died in 2005, wrote in a six-page essay many years after the incident about how her white neighbor, who had hired her as a housekeeper, tried to take advantage of her. Said Parks, “I was ready to die but give my consent never. Never, never.” (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 29, 2011
U.S. hopes N. Korea will end nuclear weapon program
The United States is wondering if North Korea will abandon its nuclear weapons in exchange for improved relations following the second day of rare talks with the country Friday. The talks between the U.S. and N. Korea will be used to gauge whether or not Korea will fulfill its commitment to the 2005 declaration that the country discontinue building nuclear weapons. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has invited N. Korea to talks in the United States after such a productive week of talks abroad. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 28, 2011
Fairfax Co. projects hurt by debt limit stalemate
According to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the stalemate over the federal debt limit could have a severe impact on major projects in Fairfax Co. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Sharon Bulova stated that a default could extinguish years of “balanced budgets and capital projects.” Said Bulova, “Everything from a firehouse to Dulles Rail to schools, we are going to see an effect.” (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 28, 2011
Montgomery Co. curfew raises concern of racial profiling
A recent curfew proposed for teens in Montgomery County is receiving heat after opponents revealed that racial profiling would resurface. The county police force was accused of racial profiling nearly a decade ago and the Department of Justice investigated, forcing a memorandum of agreement to resolve the issue. Said Councilmember Craig Rice, “It wasn’t that long ago that we had an issue of racial profiling here in Montgomery County. While the situation has gotten better, it doesn’t mean it’s gone away.” (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 28, 2011
Redskins camp opens, Haynesworth traded to Pats
The Washington Redskins open training camp this week and fans are invited to watch them practice starting Saturday. The Redskins camp is in Ashburn, Va. and Saturday will be the first of 11 practices open to the public. Wit the end of the lockout, the first order of business for the Redskins was trading disgruntled defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who they shipped to the New England Patriots for a fifth round pick. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 27, 2011
Lawmakers still at odds with six days to go
With less than a week until a potential catastrophic default on the debt by the government, House Republicans are slowly rallying behind a proposal by House Speaker John Boehner that would avert the debt crisis. The plan, however, is considered “short-term” by Senate Democrats who do not want to leave the American economy in such a weak situation. The introduction of Boehner’s plan is considered a major development in lawmaker’s effort to create a solution since, with a little tweaking to satisfy all involved, could be the plan that saves the country from a potential disaster. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 27, 2011
Closing of Walter Reed “bittersweet”
Those involved in yesterday’s ceremony which marked the closing of the Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. considered the event “bittersweet” as the doors to the Army’s flagship hospital were closed for the last time. Staff members and patients gathered on the medical center’s grounds to honor a facility that has provided care for army personnel for over one hundred years. The hospital is moving to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The name will change to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 27, 2011
Afghanistan mayor assassinated by suicide bomber
A suicide bomber hiding explosives underneath his turban assassinated the mayor of Kandahar, Afghanistan Wednesday, as violence continues to rip through Afghanistan following the murder of President’ Hamid Karzai’s powerful half brother. The Taliban have taken responsibility for the assassination of Mayor Ghulam Haider Hamidi, 65 , though, U.S. forces intend to complete a thorough investigation as many criminals and warring tribes reside in the Southern province of Afghanistan were the attack occurred. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 26, 2011
Lawyer believes suspect in Norway attacks is insane
The lawyer for the suspect in the Norway attacks that claimed the lives of at least 76 people has told the Associate Press that his client is “likely insane.” According to the lawyer, Geir Lippestad, the suspect, Anders Behring Breivik, is unaware of the impact of the attacks and was reportedly unsure of the number of people he killed. Breivik confessed to the bombing and shooting last week but is pleading not guilty to the terrorism charges against him, stating that he acted to save Europe from Muslim colonization. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 26, 2011
Police seek serial slasher in Fairfax
A woman shopping at the Fairfax County Mall was the latest victim in what police are considering a possible string of similar attacks. According to Fairfax County police spokeswoman Lucy Caldwell, an 18-year-old was slashed on the buttocks by another shopper who distracted her first by dropping a package. Detectives believe the attack is linked to four other similar attacks that have occurred in Fairfax County stores. Most recently, a woman was slashed on June 20 at Marshalls in the Greenbriar Shopping Center. All the victims have been in their teens or early 20s and police believe the suspect is a heavy set Hispanic man in his late 20s. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 26, 2011
Wealth gap between whites, minorities growing
According to analysis from the latest census, the wealth gap between whites and minorities is growing with what experts believe is due to the recession and “uneven recovery.” Decades of minority gains have reportedly disappeared leaving whites averaging 20 times the net worth of African-Americans and 18 times the net worth of Hispanics. The impact of the recession drastically increased unemployment and decimated the housing market. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 25, 2011
Lawmakers scramble as Aug. 2 deadline fast approaches
With the Aug. 2 default deadline looming, leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties are scrambling to reach a deal that will keep the United States from failing to acknowledge its fiscal responsibilities for the first time in the history of the country. Speaker of the House John Boehner is set to meet with other members of the G.O.P. to propose a plan that would ultimately raise the debt ceiling until 2013-a plan that most feel Democrats would reject. On the flip side, Senate Democrat Leader Harry Reid is crafting his own package that, likewise, is expected to be rejected by the G.O.P. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 25, 2011
Police lower death toll following Norway shooting
In an announcement Monday, Police in Norway acknowledge that they drastically overcounted the death toll in a shooting spree at a political youth group’s island retreat, lowering the number dead from 86 to 68. The overall death toll is now 76 instead of 93, making it one of the deadliest attacks in modern peace time. The suspect, Behring Breivik, is also the suspect in the bombing in Oslo, which reportedly killed eight people. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 25, 2011
NFL lockout agreement reached; awaiting players’ signatures
According to an Associated Press report, players and owners have agreed to a deal that will end the lockout and allow players to return to the gridiron. NFL Players Associations’ executive committee is set to meet at its headquarters in Washington D.C. to be presented with the final agreement. The latest development comes after a unanimous vote by owners last week that approved an proposal. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 22, 2011
Pentagon Chief Panetta lifts military gay ban
Pentagon Chief Leon Panetta officially ended ban on gays serving openly in the military Friday, stating that it would not affect the military’s ability to fight. The end of the 17-year-old ban fulfills President Obama’s 2008 assurance of an end to the ban. President Barack Obama is expected to certify the change. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 22, 2011
NFL lockout nearing end, owners waiting on players
A day after NFL owners voted on a tentative deal, members of the National Football League Players Association are meeting to discuss-and vote-to reestablish a union and end the lockout. The players, led by president Kevin Mawae, will look at the economic aspect of the deal and the proposal of turning the NFLPA back into a union. The first preseason game of the year, the Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, has been canceled despite feelings that the lockout will end soon. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 22, 2011
National Zoo Panda watch ends in false pregnancy
For the fifth year in a row, the giant panda Mei Xiang that resides at the National Zoo in Washington, failed to conceive a baby. Despite help from a Chinese breeding expert , National Zoo veterinarians determined that after months of waiting and watching there would be no cub this year. According to David Wildt, a senior scientist at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Front Royal, Va., zoo scientists believe that Mei Xiang may be infertile. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 21, 2011
Space shuttle program comes to an end
Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center Thursday, officially ending the thirty year space shuttle program. Hundreds gathered at the runway to witness the return of the shuttle and give one last goodbye to the program. Atlantis is returning from a mission to the International Space Station and now that it has returned to Earth, will be put on display at Kennedy. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 21, 2011
Md. to revisit same-sex marriage bill
Despite not passing in last year’s General Assembly, efforts are being made to pass a law to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland in 2011. According to Maryland Gov. Martin O’ Malley, his office is working hard to get the bill to pass. Law makers believe support by the governor will help get the bill passed. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 21, 2011
Very little progress as debt discussions continue
Recent developments in the battle between lawmakers over the debt limit show that progress is not being made as both sides appear to be at an impasse. President Barack Obama met with House Speaker John Boehner today but neither side could reach an agreement. A recent measure, backed by Tea Party members and the G.O.P., is expected to not pass the Senate (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 20, 2011
G.O.P. showing signs of flexibility in economy fight
As lawmakers struggle to guide the United States out of economic trouble before the Aug. 2 deadline, it would appear that Republicans are showing more flexibility and a desire to work with Democrats than members of the tea-party who are still providing friction. Democratic leader Harry Reid, in a speech on the Senate floor, stated that he believes President Barack Obama and lawmakers can reach a deal and avoid defaulting on their financial obligations. A new bipartisan budget plan was revealed and the “warm reception” by many Senate G.O.P. members is a welcoming sign. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 20, 2011
News Corp. stock rises after testimony
The News Corp. company had it’s best day since the phone scandal broke that rocked the Britain, with the company restoring roughly $2.2 billion of the $8.3 billion in market value that it lost as a result of the scandal. Rupert Murdoch, the head of News Corp., went before a committee yesterday, making the effort to testify about the scandal but did not take blame or resign. The stock for News Corp. rose increasingly throughout his testimony and closed at $15.79, up 82 cents. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 20, 2011
Va. governor lashes out at lawmakers
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell lashed out at Washington lawmakers and President Barack Obama for allowing the country to get within two weeks of defaulting on debt for the first time in the history of the country. “It’s a national embarrassment to the United States of America to get two weeks from defaulting,” McDonnell said. McDonnell added that Virginia’s Republican House and Democratic Senate were able to pass a state budget with out difficulty in February. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 19, 2011
Protester rushes Rupert Murdoch at hearing
A man at a hearing in London rushed media baron Rupert Murdoch Tuesday, spraying the 80-year-old with foam off a paper plate. Murdoch was using the hearing to tell British lawmakers that he was not responsible for the phone hacking scandal that has negatively affected his world-wide empire. After hours of testimony, a man wearing a plaid shirt ran at Murdoch before being fended off by Murdoch’s wife Wendi Deng. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 19, 2011
F.B.I. arrest Va. man who was on Pakistan spy list
The F.B.I. have arrested a Virginia man, stating that he was on the Pakistani payroll as a spy in the United States and hid millions of dollars for illegal lobbying. Syed Ghulam Nabi Fai, of Fairfax, Va is the executive director of a Washington advocacy group. While the charges are not espionage-related, the event further hurts an already strained relationship with Pakistan that stems from the death of Osama bin Laden. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 19, 2011
D.C. to investigate Mayor Gray
The District of Columbia Office of Campaign Finance is reportedly investigating allegations that Mayor Vincent Gray’s campaign converted cash contributions into money orders. The District of Columbia has a $25 limit on all cash contributions but the Washington Post reports that the mayor converted an unknown amount of contributions above $25 into money orders. In a statement, Gray said that if mistakes were made, the campaign should be held accountable. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 18, 2011
Atlantis crew departs from space station one last time
The crew of Atlantis on the final space shuttle mission departed from the International Space Station for the final time Monday, leaving behind a space shuttle model and an American flag to commemorate the end of the 30 year program. As the crew of Atlantis entered their space shuttle to return to earth one last time, U.S. space station astronaut Ronald Garan Jr. stated “[Now ends] a chapter in the history of our nation.” Atlantis is expected to land at Florida’s Kennedy Space Station Thursday. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 18, 2011
Gen. Petraeus gives up command in Afghanistan
U.S. Gen. Petraeus handed over command of the war in Afghanistan to Marine Gen. John Allen Monday, as Petraeus moves onto his new post as C.I.A. director. Allen will orchestrate the massive withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. The United States has been at war with the country for ten years. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 18, 2011
U.S. women lose World Cup final to Japan, fall in shootouts
The U.S. women’s World Cup team fell to Japan in the final Sunday, losing a heartbreaker in shootouts after playing to a 2-2 tie in regular and extra time. Abby Wambach was the only American player to bury her penalty kick while Japan had three players reach the back of the net to secure the victory. In interviews afterwards, Japan acknowledged that the win will help heal those ailing from the devastating tsunami that hit the country March. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 15, 2011
Obama announces chance for Congress to do something special
In a message to lawmakers Friday, President Barack Obama announced that Congress has a “unique opportunity to do something big” by alleviating the United States economy for years to come. According to Obama, Congress can do this by cutting deficits and make the tough decisions needed to stabilize the economy. Congress and the White House have until Aug. 2 to reach a deal. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 15, 2011
U.S. recognizes rebels as leaders of Libya
The United States along with other countries have formally recognized the Libyan rebel forces as the country’s legitimate government until a new government is formed. Members at he meeting, which included Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, announced that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi was no longer the ruler. Said Clinton, “I am announcing today that, until an interim authority is in place, the United States will recognize the NTC as the legitimate governing authority for Libya, and we will deal with it on that basis.” (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 15, 2011
Final “Harry Potter” represents an end of an era
The final “Harry Potter” film was released in theaters around the world last night and fans of all ages-some dressed in costume-lined up to witness an end of an era. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” part 2 is the conclusion of the fight between the boy wizard Harry Potter and the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. In the coming days, the final film will be released at the Smithsonian Institution’s Imax theaters in Washington and Northern Virginia. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 14, 2011
Bernanke, Wall Street warns of economic catastrophe
In a warning to lawmakers in Washington, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke foresees major economic damage if the United States were to not reach an agreement on the national debt by the Aug. 2 deadline. Wall Street also warned of a possible disaster. President Barack Obama and many of the House and Senate leaders agreed to meet for the fourth time in the past four days to speak on raising the national debt. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 14, 2011
TSA discovers 13 knives in passenger’s bag at BWI
Transportation Security Administration officers found 13 knives in a bag belonging to a passenger attempting to board a plane at Baltimore Washington International Airport yesterday. It is not unusual for TSA officers to find knives in bags but not 13. Among the knives were a Swiss army knife and a butterfly knife. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 14, 2011
Judge rules a mistrial in Clemens case
The judge presiding over baseball star Roger Clemens’ perjury trial ruled a mistrial after evidence was shown to the jury that the judge had ruled out of bounds. According to U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton, Clemens would not be assured a fair trial after the prosecution showed the jury forbidden evidence. Said Walton, “The ability with Mr. Clemens with this jury to get a fair trial with this jury would be very difficult if not impossible.” (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 13, 2011
Veteran of Afghanistan war receives Medal of Honor
A veteran of the War in Afghanistan received the highest honor at the White House yesterday when Barrack Obama presented Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry with the Medal of Honor for his brave actions while in combat. In 2008, Petry-then a staff sergeant- picked up a grenade thrown at his squad and lost his right arm saving his comrades. Petry received a prosthetic arm and on Wednesday Obama shook it, announcing “This is the stuff of which heroes are made.” Read more: WTOP.com)
July 13, 2011
Va. Governor puts pressure on Dulles Metro project
In an effort to lower the overall cost of the Metro station at the Dulles Airport, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is putting pressure on the project, stating the Commonwealth will not contribute money to the second phase of the Dulles Rail Project. According to McDonnell, the governor wishes that the station move from below ground to above which would save approximately $330 million. The fear is that by doing this, tolls on the Dulles Toll Road could greatly increase. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 13, 2011
National League wins the All Star Game
For the second year in a row, the National League defeated the American League in the Major League All Star Game, with a three-run homerun by Milwaukee player Prince Fielder being the deciding factor. The NL, which hung on to seize a 5-1 victory, had lost 15 straight All Star games from 1995-2009. Fielder was named MVP of the mid-summer classic. For the win, the National League will receive home-field advantage in the World Series. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 12, 2011
Boehner: Solution to debt Obama’s problem
In a news conference shortly after another round of meetings in regards to the national debt, Speaker of the House John Boehner stated that the solution to the national debt is up to President Barack Obama. Said Boehner, “”This debt limit increase is his problem and I think it’s time for him to lead by putting his plan on the table.” Lawmakers have until Aug. 2 to come to terms on how to handle the national debt. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 12, 2011
Chesapeake Bay restoration on target
The plan to restore the Chesapeake Bay by 2025 is off to a fast and encouraging start after the first round of pollution control reductions were admitted to be on target by the Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday. The good news was announced at the annual meeting of the Chesapeake Executive Council. Washington D.C. mayor Vincent Gray was in attendance. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 12, 2011
Yankee Cano wins Home Run Derby
New York Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano became the latest Home Run Derby champion after out-slugging rival Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez in the 2011 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby at Chase Field. Cano won by hitting 12 homeruns in the third and final round. A fan almost died when he tumbled from the stands 20 feet above the ground but was pulled to safety by a bystander. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 11, 2011
President Obama challenges G.O.P. to compromise
As talks of national economic negations heat up, President Barack Obama challenged the G.O.P to compromise on the debt or there would be no deal on raising the government’s debt limit. The Aug. 2 deadline fast approaches and the president, in a speech Monday, made it clear that he would not sign a short-term extension, accusing Republicans of having a “my way or the highway” attitude towards the debt. Said the president, “I don’t see a path to a deal if they don’t budge. Period.” (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 11, 2011
Atlantis crew gets to work at space station
Astronauts aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis began unloading some of the payload in the shuttle to the inhabitants of the International Space Station Monday, using the station’s massive robot arm to lift a bus-size container full of food and clothes and attach it to the station’s orbiting outpost. There is enough food in the 21 feet by 15 foot canister to keep the space station members fed and clothed for another year. Atlantis lifted off Friday in what was the final launch of the space shuttle program. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 11, 2011
U.S. women defeat Brazil in enthralling fashion
In a World Cup semi-finals victory that seemed like it leapt right out of a Hollywood story, the U.S. women soccer team defeated Brazil in riveting fashion, beating the South American foe in penalty kicks after a 2-2 tie. American Ali Krieger kicked the winning penalty goal, a shot to the bottom left corner of the goal that created a celebration that engulfed the country—so much that the highlight was even shown on the scoreboard at Yankee Stadium. Said U.S. coach Pia Sundhage, “There’s something to be said about this team. This American attitude of pulling everything together and bringing out the best performance in each other is contagious.” (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 7, 2011
Casey Anthony will be released July 17th
Casey Anthony, who was acquitted of the murder of her two-year-old daughter, will be released from prison Wednesday after spending three years in jail. While being cleared of first-degree murder and abuse of her daughter, Anthony was convicted with four counts of lying to investigators. According to a court official, the fact that Anthony has already spent three years in prison and is receiving credit for good behavior, she will be released next week. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 7, 201
States informed not to ban phones while driving
In a change of position, lawmakers in Washington D.C. have decided not to ban phones while driving citing contradictory evidence in regards to distracted driving. According to a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, states such as Maryland that have bans on driving while using a phone are expected to continue such bans and that recent research effects only the other states. The report also found that drivers are often distracted 50 percent of the time. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 7, 2011
U.S. women fall to Sweden 2-1 in World Cup
After a convincing 3-0 victory over Columbia last week, the U.S. women soccer team fell to Sweden 2-1 in World Cup play, making the path to the finals foreseeably. America only needed to tie with Sweden to avoid top team Brazil in the quarterfinals. The loss was the first ever loss for the United States in group play at the World Cup. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 6, 2011
Casey Anthony cleared of murder by jury
Casey Anthony, the suspect in the nationally televised case involving the death of Anthony’s toddler, was found not-guilty of first-degree murder by the jury after only ten hours of deliberation. Jurors also delivered a not-guilty verdict to aggravated manslaughter and aggravated child abuse. Anthony was found guilty of four misdemeanor counts of lying to investigators. Sentencing will be held Thursday. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 6, 2011
PG County chief executive calls out Leslie Johnson
Rushern Baker, the chief executive for Prince George’s County has asked Councilmember Leslie Johnson to resign as District 6 council member immediately and not wait until July 31. In an announcement yesterday, Johnson submitted her resgintation, effective at the end of the month. Johnson’s resignation comes after admitting that she destroyed a $100,000 check from a developer to her husband and hid illicit cash in her under garments. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 6, 2011
TSA performing additional screening after latest terrorist threat
According to a U.S. government warning, terrorists are considering surgically implanting bombs in humans to carry out attacks. The Transportation Security Administration announced that travelers going overseas may experience additional screening. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 5, 2011
Leslie Johnson resigns as PG County Council Member
Leslie Johnson, a member of the Prince George’s County Council for district 6, submitted her resignation today, a move that will be effective July 31. Johnson steps down after admitting she destroyed a $100,000 check from a developer given to her husband Jack Johnson and stuck nearly $80,000 in illicit cash in her under garments. Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit evidence and witness tampering in federal court last Thursday. Johnson’s sentencing is set for Oct. 13. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 5, 2011
Military deaths continue to rise in Afghanistan
According to a recent AP report, the number of U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 is 1,542. Of that number, nearly 1,300 are from hostile action. President Barack Obama recently announced that a major withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan will occur in the coming months. (Read more: WTOP.com)
July 5, 2011
Former Yankee Clemens on trial for perjury
Former New York Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens is standing trial on perjury charges for telling a House committee under oath that he never used human growth hormone or steroids during his storied 23 year career. Clemens, who at one time was considered a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, could face prison time if all 12 jurors agree that Clemens lied under oath and agree to prosecute the former star. (Read more: WTOP.com)