Local News from WAMU 88.5

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Furloughed Workers Start Filing For Unemployment Benefits

Federal workers who are furloughed because of the government shutdown are beginning to file for unemployment benefits—but its likely they'll face delays in getting paid.

As Shutdown Drags On, Furloughed Workers Feeling The Financial Pinch

Some 800,000 federal workers have been furloughed during the government shutdown, and the prospect about an extended standoff between Democrats and Republicans has them worried about paying the bills.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Virginia Democrats Sue To Prevent Voter Roll Purge

Tens of thousands of Virginia residents may be purged from voter rolls — something state Democrats are filing a lawsuit to stop.

District's Shutdown Gambit Is Paying Off

Mayor Vincent Gray took a gamble in designating all District employees as essential during the government shutdown, and so far it appears to have paid off for the city.

Maryland Company A Poster Boy For Businesses Affected By Shutdown

President Barack Obama will be visiting Maryland tomorrow to check in with Rockville's M. Luis Construction, one of uncounted businesses that stand to suffer from the budget stalemate.

D.C. Alcohol Board Rejects Moratorium On Liquor Licenses On U Street

The D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board today unanimously rejected a proposed moratorium on liquor licenses for the U Street corridor, saying that imposing one could blunt the neighborhood’s dramatic revival.

D.C. Council Passes Bill Banning Smoking Within 25 Feet Of Parks, Bus Stops

The D.C. Council has passed a bill forbidding smoking within 25 feet of city parks, recreation centers and bus stops.

Ford's Theatre Forced To Close During Government Shutdown

Ford's Theatre may have to postpone its run of "The Laramie Project'' because the play is being forced out of the theater during the government shutdown.

Virginia Officials Keep Up Campaign For Bi-County Parkway

Since hiring a D.C.-based public relations firm to improve its messaging, the Virginia Department of Transportation has stepped up its efforts to build public support for the Bi-County Parkway.

MoCo School Officials Propose Pushing Back Morning Bell By 50 Minutes

Teens in Montgomery County may soon be able to hit the snooze button a few more times—school officials are proposing that high schools start 50 minutes later than they currently do.

In Switcheroo, Democrats Oppose D.C. Funding Bill

While Republicans don't often side with the desires of D.C. officials, yesterday it was Democrats opposing a bill that would have funded the D.C. government.

Shutdown Leaves Federal Workers With Time, But No Access To Popular Va. Trail

Furloughed federal government workers in Virginia may have free time to enjoy the great fall weather, but the shutdown is keeping them from legally using the popular Mt. Vernon Trail.

D.C. Council Pushes Back Election Of Attorney General To 2018

Over 90,000 D.C. voters approved a referendum in 2010 to have an elected attorney general, but it took only seven D.C. Council members to push the election back to 2018.

Shutdown Cuts Into Metro's Bottom Line

Furloughed federal workers means fewer riders on the Metro system and a smaller-than-expected bottom line for the transit agency.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Government Shutdown Reaches As Far As Assateague Island

The government shutdown has been bad news for campers, surfers and others hoping to enjoy Assateague Island before the weather gets too cold.

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