Wash Post Metro

Transportation Dept. awards alert to Metrorail safety issues

Lisa Rein — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:15:53 EST

The whistle-blower who alerted federal officials to potential safety issues with a bridge that will carry Silver Line Metrorail trains over Interstate 66 has received a commendation from the inspector general for transportation.

Maryland agency to vote on Intercounty Connector toll plan

Katherine Shaver — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:20:04 EST

Toll rates for the Intercounty Connector of up to 35 cents per mile for two-axle vehicles could become final Thursday morning, when the board of the Maryland Transportation Authority is scheduled to vote on the road's proposed toll plan.

Area colleges being investigated for admissions discrimination against women

Daniel de Vise — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:16:02 EST

Federal civil rights commissioners voted Wednesday to subpoena 19 Washington area colleges in an investigation of whether higher education institutions discriminate against women in admissions.

Ex-Kennedy staffer charged with stealing $75,000

Del Quentin Wilber — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:58:02 EST

The former office manager of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) has been charged with stealing more than $75,000 from the U.S. Senate, authorities said.

Suspect escapes police in Md. but is recaptured

Debbi Wilgoren — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:04:01 EST

A Gaithersburg man who was arrested Tuesday night for allegedly robbing a gas station escaped from police custody after persuading officers to take him to Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, authorities said. But he was apprehended outside a Panera Bread restaurant about three hours later.

38 arrested in N.Va. drug ring that dealt mainly to youths

Josh White — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Nearly 40 people have been arrested across Northern Virginia this week on charges of dealing heroin and prescription narcotics as part of a large-scale investigation to battle what officials said is a dramatic increase in drug use among young people in the Washington suburbs.

LOTTERIES

Post — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Mid-Day Lucky Numbers: 8-2-9 Mid-Day D.C. 4: 4-6-1-4

D.C. woman to be honored for work with Congo's bonobos

Susan Kinzie — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

It wasn't long after Sally Coxe started learning about bonobos -- the chimpanzee-like primates that many scientists believe, of all living apes, is most similar to humans' long-extinct evolutionary ancestors -- that she quit her job to try to save them.

D.C. Council ends contract with firm of Fenty's friend

Nikita Stewart — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The D.C. Council voted unanimously Tuesday to strip Banneker Ventures , a company owned by one of Mayor Adrian M. Fenty's fraternity brothers, of its controversial contract to manage the construction of several parks and recreation centers after council members spent weeks probing the deal's...

D.C. to pay $8.25 million to settle mass arrest suit

Del Quentin Wilber — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The D.C. government and a nonprofit civil rights organization have settled a class-action lawsuit brought by hundreds of protesters and bystanders arrested during a downtown demonstration in 2002.

Hogan & Hartson, Lovells partners approve merger

V. Dion Haynes — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Partners at the Washington-based Hogan & Hartson law firm said Tuesday that they have approved a merger with London-based Lovells in a deal that would create one of the world's largest law firms, with $1.8 billion in revenue and 2,500 lawyers in 40 offices.

3 new generation streetcars arrive in Md. for D.C. project

Ashley Halsey III — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The District is losing a panda to China but gaining three red inchworms from the Czech Republic.

D.C. Council backs controversial tax breaks to lure 2 firms

Lisa Rein — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The D.C. Council voted Tuesday to give millions of dollars in property tax breaks to a financially strapped developer and a Bethesda high-tech company that the Fenty administration hopes to lure to the city.

Local Digest

Post — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Seventeen students at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Prince George's County were arrested and charged with assault Tuesday after a massive fight in a school hallway, police said.

D.C. zoning panel approves Fort Totten development

Ovetta Wiggins — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation received final approval Monday night from the D.C. Zoning Commission to move forward with its plans to transform the landscape of a Northeast Washington neighborhood by building a multimillion-dollar, transit-oriented development in Fort Totten.

D.C. officer charged with felony murder in shooting

Clarence Williams and Martin Weil — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A D.C. police officer was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony murder in connection with a fatal shooting about two weeks ago in Southeast Washington, police officials said.

D.C. to pay $8.25 million to settle suit over mass arrests during '02 demonstrations

Del Quentin Wilber — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:58:01 EST

The D.C. government and a nonprofit civil rights organization have settled a class-action lawsuit brought by hundreds of protesters and bystanders arrested during a downtown demonstration in 2002.

Officials investigate report of noose placed in Loudoun firefighter's car

Maria Glod — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:55:06 EST

Loudoun County officials are investigating an allegation that two white career firefighters put a noose in the car of a black firefighter, officials said.

Senate earmarks $3 million for Md.'s Purple Line

Katherine Shaver — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:35:02 EST

Maryland's plans to build a Purple Line between Bethesda and New Carrollton got a boost last weekend when the U.S. Senate included $3 million for the project in a transportation appropriations bill.

Suspect in taping of women hangs himself in Fairfax jail

Tom Jackman — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A convicted child molester, who was arrested Saturday night after allegedly videotaping women in changing rooms at the Fair Oaks Mall, hanged himself in the Fairfax County jail early Monday, Fairfax police said Tuesday.

17 Pr. George's students charged with assault after massive fight at high school

Matt Zapotosky — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:34:02 EST

Seventeen students at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Prince George's County were arrested and charged with assault Tuesday after a massive fight in a school hallway, police said.

Montgomery inmate who officials say hanged himself was not on suicide watch

Dan Morse — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:04:00 EST

A Montgomery County inmate who officials say hanged himself was not on a suicide watch, and he apparently propped a bunk bed on its end to gain height from which to tie a bedsheet, the county's corrections chief said Tuesday, citing initial findings in the investigation. If the inmate's death Sun...

Doses of swine flu vaccine for young children are recalled in Md., Va.

Michael Laris — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:17:58 EST

Some doses of swine flu vaccine for young children are being recalled in Maryland and Virginia.

Arrest made in August stabbing death

Theola Labbé-DeBose — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:25:00 EST

D.C. police announced an arrest in the stabbing of a man who died from his wounds three months after he was assaulted.

Hispanic leaders disagree over Christmas-themed census poster

Carol Morello and Ed O'Keefe — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A poster showing Mary and Joseph heading to Bethlehem for a census and the birth of Jesus is raising eyebrows among some evangelicals, who consider it an inappropriate use of Christian symbolism for the headcount the government will conduct next year.

Md. water utility puts technology to work on aging pipes

Katherine Shaver — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Nearly a year after a broken pipe flooded River Road in Bethesda and stranded motorists, officials from suburban Maryland's water and sewer authority on Tuesday showcased technology designed to detect problems in the largest water mains.

DNA sets free D.C. man imprisoned in 1981 student slaying

Keith L. Alexander — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A District man who was incarcerated for 28 years in the rape and murder of a Georgetown University student in Rock Creek Park was ordered released Tuesday by a D.C. Superior Court judge after DNA evidence revealed that another man committed the crime.

Sexting hasn't reached most young teens, poll finds

Donna St. George — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

About one in seven American teens with cellphones say they have received nude or nearly nude photos by text message, according to a survey on the phenomenon known as "sexting."

Stretch of I-95 in Northern Virginia re-opens this week

Ashley Halsey III — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:57:52 EST

The first phase in the widening of Interstate 95 in Northern Virginia will be completed in time to accommodate holiday traffic, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced Tuesday.

Pedestrian struck, killed in Germantown

Allison Klein — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:27:01 EST

A 59-year-old man was killed as he tried to walk across a street in Germantown during Monday night's rush hour, Montgomery County police said.

Chandra Levy suspect pleads not guilty to additional charges

Keith L. Alexander — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Ingmar Guandique, the man charged with kidnapping and killing federal intern Chandra Levy, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to threatening a prosecution witness.

N.Va. men ordered held for interrogation in Pakistan

Jerry Markon, Shaiq Hussain and Griff Witte — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:33:52 EST

Five Northern Virginia men who were arrested in Pakistan last week as part of a terrorism probe appeared in court for the first time Tuesday and were ordered held for up to 10 days of interrogation, Pakistani officials said.

D.C. Council approves same-sex marriage bill

Tim Craig — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The District was on the verge Tuesday of becoming the sixth place in the country to legalize same-sex marriage after the council gave final approval to its bill allowing the unions.

Northern Va. police to step up HOV lane enforcement

Martin Weil — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

In an effort to curb a practice that causes commuter frustration, police agencies in Northern Virginia will join forces Wednesday to ensure compliance with the HOV rules, authorities said.

Foggy conditions in D.C. Monday caused disruptions, delays

Martin Weil — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Fog that was dense, durable and in a way historic blanketed parts of the Washington area Monday, cutting visibility on highways and runways and causing delays and difficulties for drivers and airline passengers.

Boy, 2, critically injured in 3-car crash in Takoma Park

Martin Weil — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A 2-year-old boy was critically injured and four other people were also hospitalized Monday in a three-car collision in Takoma Park, Montgomery County police said.

Same-sex marriage bill is milestone for D.C. Council member

Tim Craig — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

When David A. Catania swept onto the D.C. Council a dozen years ago, even the shrewdest politicians were baffled by his rise to power.

Mother confronted D.C. police after teen was struck

Theola Labbé-DeBose — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Darnisha Jackson-Milton rushed from her home Saturday night to the nearby corner of 20th and Newton streets NE and found her son, Dominic Turner, 18, propped against a neighbor's fence, his face contorted in pain. He said he had been hit by a police cruiser.

Va. middle school cancels mock U.N. debate on Taliban

Michael Alison Chandler — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A principal in Arlington County announced Monday that she will call off an assignment that asked students to represent the views of the Taliban during a mock United Nations after some parents called it inappropriate.

LOTTERIES

Post — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Mid-Day Lucky Numbers: 1-7-3 Mid-Day D.C. 4: 1-0-8-0

Answer Sheet Valerie Strauss

Post — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

From Monday's blog: A Virginia middle school assigned some eighth-graders the task of arguing in support of Afghanistan's Taliban in a mock United Nations debate. But the assignment was dropped Monday morning because students and parents were uncomfortable with the exercise, school officials said.

Arrested N.Va. men's deportation from Pakistan slowed

Jerry Markon, Shaiq Hussain and Griff Witte — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Pakistani court on Monday ruled that the five Northern Virginia men arrested in that country cannot be deported until a judge reviews the case, potentially complicating the handover of the men to U.S. authorities, legal and political experts said.

Annapolis man gets 15-year sentence in death of 2-year-old

Post — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A 37-year-old Annapolis man was sentenced Monday to 15 years in prison for the second-degree murder of his wife's nephew after the toddler died of head injuries while the man was beating him.

In the push for gender equity, turnabout is not fair play

Petula Dvorak — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

So, ladies, it appears that big boulder we've pushed uphill is rolling back down after all.

D.C. gives more than $500,000 in bonuses despite legal limit

Nikita Stewart — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Some D.C. Council members are questioning the legality -- and appropriateness -- of more than $500,000 in bonuses the Fenty administration awarded to some city employees after a law curbing the practice in the cash-strapped city took effect in October.

Local Digest

Post — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A Maryland Transit Administration worker has been charged with stealing $400,000 in bus fares, federal authorities said Monday.

Council chairman wants swift action on marijuana rules

Tim Craig — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) said Monday that he wants to move swiftly to establish regulations for distributing medical marijuana now that Congress has voted to lift restrictions on city drug policy.

2-year-old critically injured in crash

Martin Weil — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:50:01 EST

A 2-year-old boy was critically injured and four other people were also hospitalized Monday in a three-car collision in Takoma Park, Montgomery County police said.

AES to sell stakes in Oman, Pakistan units

V. Dion Haynes — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Arlington-based AES Corp. has reached an agreement to sell its interest in several power-generating facilities in Oman and Pakistan to help finance expansion of other energy projects around the world, the company said Monday.

U.S. can keep detainee at Guantanamo Bay, judge rules

Del Quentin Wilber — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A federal judge ruled Monday that the government may continue to detain a 28-year-old Yemeni at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

D.C. bill aims to improve nutrition, exercise among students

Bill Turque — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The District's schools would be required to serve students fresh produce from local growers and to dramatically expand physical education programs under a bill introduced by D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh and Chairman Vincent C. Gray.

Scuffle breaks out at D.C. police headquarters

Martin Weil — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:17:00 EST

A scuffle broke out Monday at D.C. police headquarters when U.S. marshals tried to take a man into custody on an outstanding warrant, police said.

D.C. opens swine flu vaccinations to all

Michael Laris — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:32:58 EST

The District has joined Maryland in opening swine flu vaccinations to anybody who wants them.

MTA worker charged with stealing $400K in bus fares

Maria Glod — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST

A Maryland Transit Administration worker has been charged with stealing $400,000 in bus fares, federal authorities said Monday.

Virginia employees' lawyers ask judge to dismiss Tech cases

Maria Glod — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Lawyers for Virginia employees being sued by the families of two victims of the April 2007 Virginia Tech massacre argued Monday that the cases should be dismissed because their clients are protected by sovereign immunity.

Pr. George's, Montgomery to create gang task force with help of federal funds

Matt Zapotosky and Tom Jackman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:57:58 EST

Police and social services agencies in Prince George's and Montgomery counties will soon create a task force to deal specifically with gangs, thanks in part to $2.7 million in federal funds that they will receive from a spending bill the Senate passed Sunday.

D.C. jail seeks homicide leads with cold-case playing cards

Del Quentin Wilber — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The playing cards were dealt in a blur to four inmates sitting around a small metal table at the D.C. jail.

Fairfax boy says he was molested in county recreation center

Tom Jackman — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:27:03 EST

A Fairfax County boy reported that he was molested in a county recreation center bathroom Saturday morning, and witnesses watched the alleged assailant until police arrived and arrested him, Fairfax police said Monday.

I-495 at Lee Hwy. to close intermittently on Thursday, Friday nights

Ashley Halsey III — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:20:00 EST

All four lanes of Interstate 495 at Lee Highway (Route 29) will close several times during the overnight hours of Thursday and Friday this week, and closures will be repeated Monday night through Christmas Eve.

Renovation of Benning Road in NE D.C. nears completion

Ashley Halsey III — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:43:59 EST

A $38 million renovation of heavily traveled Benning Road in Northeast Washington is nearing completion on schedule, the District Department of Transportation announced Monday.

Pakistani court seeks to block Va. men being sent back to U.S.

Jerry Markon, Shaiq Hussain and Griff Witte — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:23:01 EST

A Pakistani court on Monday tried to block the handover to U.S. authorities of the five Northern Virginia men arrested overseas, ruling that the men cannot be deported until a judge reviews the case.

Developer donates land for George Mason campus in Loudoun

Derek Kravitz — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:49:59 EST

A Loudoun County homebuilder announced Monday that it had donated a $17 million piece of land to George Mason University for a long-awaited campus in the fast-growing Northern Virginia suburb.

Former AARP official sentenced for stealing $140k

Del Quentin Wilber — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:02 EST

A former director of events at AARP was sentenced to three years of probation Monday for stealing $140,000 from the nonprofit group over a three-month period.

Bird of prey trapped on Metro station escalator

Ashley Halsey III — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:39:02 EST

It is the stuff of late-night horror movies, and for some it is a recurring nightmare. Somehow that escalator grabs a piece of you, pulling you into the depths. You are not alone. Everyone worries.

ICE! exhibit brings chilly cheer to holiday season

Monica Hesse — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The shepherds are shrinking. Their hands have gotten bony-looking and weird as the ice they're made from passes from solid to gas despite the frigid temperature. Mary's fingers will go next -- her knuckles are already knobby -- and Baby Jesus, even Baby Jesus's swaddling clothes will eventually n...

One killed, two injured in Suitland Parkway crash

Matt Zapotosky and Allison Klein — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:39:59 EST

A Suitland man was killed and a woman and baby were injured in a two-car crash early Monday on Suitland Parkway, police said.

Study sees turnaround for D.C. area retailers

V. Dion Haynes — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

While steady expansion of the federal government has shielded metropolitan Washington from the soaring unemployment rates seen elsewhere, troubles among the region's retailers are mirroring national losses in that sector with steep job cuts and a sales decline projected to reach 7 percent this ye...

Fairfax woman wages war against 'tacky' roadside signs

Fredrick Kunkle — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Some people spend their Saturday mornings cruising yard sales or running errands. Juli Verrier spends hers ripping down signs.

SE neighborhood's violent past clouds new residents' future

Theola Labbé-DeBose and Clarence Williams — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Janice Gore wanted a back yard to host family barbecues. Gary Jones wanted a lawn where he could toss the football with his son. And Chiquisha Robinson just wanted to put down roots in a community where her home purchase could make a difference.

College admission rates for women spur civil rights probe

Daniel de Vise — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Civil rights investigators will soon begin reviewing admissions data from a sampling of colleges in the Washington region to determine whether, after decades of progress toward sexual equity, female students have become so plentiful in higher education that institutions have entered a new era of ...

D.C.'s Watkins Hornets celebrate Pee Wee Championship win

James Hohmann — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The ceremony started an hour late as the crowd waited patiently for the students' flight to arrive.

LOTTERIES

Post — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Mid-Day Lucky Numbers: 0-5-6 Mid-Day D.C. 4: 5-9-4-8

Proposed election-date change draws ire in Falls Church

Fredrick Kunkle — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Falls Church City Council on Monday will take up the issue of whether to hold municipal elections in November rather than May, a change embraced by a growing number of Virginia municipalities that has ignited sharp debate in the tiny Northern Virginia city.

When is it time to close a D.C. charter school?

Jay Mathews — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

President Obama wants more good, independent public charter schools. He has also said he wants states and cities to close bad charter schools. Which charters in the District could we do without?

Vote moves D.C. toward medical marijuana, abortion funding

James Hohmann and Tim Craig — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The U.S. Senate passed a bill Sunday that clears the way for the District government to allow medical marijuana use and to spend local tax dollars to help low-income women pay for abortions.

Local Digest

Post — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A 28-year-old man was fatally shot early Sunday in the Fort Washington area and his 46-year-old uncle was arrested and charged in the death, Prince George's County police said.

D.C. police cruiser hits man, leaves scene, witness says

Josh White — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The family of an 18-year-old Northeast Washington man said that D.C. police officers hit the man with their marked cruiser Saturday night and left the scene without calling for help but returned a short time later.

Freestate cadets celebrate the changes they have undergone

Michael E. Ruane — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Cadet Jamal DuCote Peters walked into the barracks office and took off his cap and gown. He hoisted his black backpack, from which his boots hung, and grabbed the white padlocked duffel bag holding his gear. And he began to say his goodbyes.

South African heritage marks Lesole Maine's dance performances

Post — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Though Lesole Maine left his native South Africa more than five years ago, his experiences there have left an indelible mark on his artistry. From the style of his movement to the subject matter he tackles, Maine's heritage was an integral part of the works his dance company performed Saturday at...

Music Review: Karen Akers sings Cole Porter at the Kennedy Center

Nelson Pressley — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:14:03 EST

"I'm Throwing a Ball Tonight" was the statement-making first number of Karen Akers's all-Cole Porter cabaret show Saturday night at the Kennedy Center. The lanky chanteuse created a characteristically swellegant mood; her pianist and bass player sported black tie, and Akers's sleeveless black gow...

Progress on Silver Spring transit center not so sexy yet

washingtonpost.com — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:49:13 EST

More than a year into construction, the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring remains a landscape of dirt, mud, pooled water and grass. Way too much grass, some travelers said during the summer and early fall. But the pace of construction has picked up.

Teen charged in beating to be tried as juvenile

Post — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:35:01 EST

A white teenager charged in the unprovoked beating of an elderly black fisherman will have his case heard in juvenile court.

Man fatally shot in Fort Washington

James Hohmann — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 11:46:55 EST

An adult male was found fatally shot in Fort Washington early Saturday, police said.

Water mains fail in Maryland

Martin Weil — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

As Washington's temperatures once again dipped below freezing Saturday morning, the area experienced another feature of the frosty season: water-main breaks.

Mr. Fix-its help disabled stay on path to independence

Michael Alison Chandler — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Many students enrolled at Fairfax County's schools for the disabled cannot talk. But they greet their teachers every day, pressing a finger or a toe to a switch that prompts a recorded voice to say "Hello!" or "Good morning."

About Washington Post AIDS funding investigation

Post — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

For this report, the fourth installment in a series about AIDS in the nation's capital, The Washington Post tracked the location of more than 100 specialized nonprofit groups that received funding from the D.C. Department of Health from 2004 to 2009.

300 take fantasy flight from Dulles to the North Pole

James Hohmann — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Adrian Hawkins, 4, jumped up and down as he stood in line at Dulles International Airport on Saturday morning, waiting to board a nonstop flight to the North Pole. His mom, Andrea, held their boarding passes.

LOTTERIES

Post — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Mid-Day Lucky Numbers: 0-4-4 Mid-Day D.C. 4: 3-0-5-3

Garage remote just the opening dogs needed

Post — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

STERLING, Vinson Ct., Dec. 2. An animal control officer responded to a report of two dogs roaming a neighborhood. When the officer arrived, the dogs were back in their home. The dogs' owner said the dogs had knocked a garage door opener onto the floor and escaped when the door opened. No violations...

A mane confidence-builder: Hair therapy

Post — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

W omen might be surprised to know that some men's rooms lack mirrors. What's more, few men seem to notice.

Answer Man gets straight to the truth about Humpback Bridge

John Kelly — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

When the traffic reporters are on the air, they often mention a problem at the Humpback Bridge. I know it is in the vicinity of the 14th Street bridge crossing the Potomac, but exactly which bridge is it and how did it get its name?

Performance pay for teachers would quadruple under bill approved by Hill

Nick Anderson — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Federal funding for performance pay in public schools would quadruple, to $400 million a year, under a bill moving through Congress that reflects the growing political momentum behind an education reform idea once considered anathema to many Democrats and labor leaders.

Local Digest

Post — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

District officials will host a community forum Tuesday on what should be included in D.C.'s application to "Race to the Top," the $4.3 billion education grant competition established by the Obama administration to spur innovation and reform.

Louisiana serves as model in teacher assessment

Nick Anderson — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

LAFAYETTE, La.-- In the fluorescent glow of Room 46 at J.W. Faulk Elementary School, second-year teacher Shannon Bower saw big challenges ahead for her fourth-graders who are struggling in reading and math. "I do what I can," she said during a recent class. "I move them up a little, but I can't d...

Progress on Silver Spring transit center not so sexy yet

Post — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Dr. G's tips for roads, Metro, buses for the coming week

Post — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Virginia Department of Transportation hopes to open the new fourth lane on a portion of Interstate 95 north this week. That should ease holiday travel as well as the routine weekday commute.

U.S. funds for Metro come slowly. So do system's changes.

Robert Thomson — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Help wanted: A strong challenger to make Fenty feel the heat

Robert McCartney — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Here's my holiday wish: I'd like one strong candidate -- but only one -- to please run against Adrian M. Fenty for mayor next year.

Volunteer lay wreaths on graves at Arlington

Yamiche Alcindor — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Pfc. De'Angello Robinson, 19, traveled seven hours by bus to place a wreath on the tombstone of a soldier he didn't know.

Fairfax tops others in tap water report

David A. Fahrenthold — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

A report by an environmental group says that the Fairfax County Water Authority is among the best in the nation at keeping pollutants out of tap water -- and that a utility serving Montgomery and Prince George's counties is worse than average.

DC to open flu vaccine clinics to all residents

Post — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 11:07:59 EST

The D.C. health department is having one more swine flu vaccine clinic for priority groups Saturday. After that, it will start giving the vaccine to anyone who wants it.

Mentoring helps immigrants' children aim for college

N.C. Aizenman — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The tour bus pulled into Gettysburg College with a loud wheeze. Graciela Rodriguez, 12, stepped off and blinked for a moment at the white columns, brick facades and emerald lawns.

Behind D.C. schools' math gains, racial gap persists

Bill Turque — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Last week's federal report card on math achievement was a welcome piece of good news for D.C. public schools. Although the District still lags far behind the country's top-performing systems, the report card showed fourth- and eighth-graders making strides at a faster pace over the past two years...

Friday morning one for the deep freeze

Martin Weil — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The coldest morning in months came to Washington on Friday, another sign of the abrupt arrival of winter. After the season's first snow last Saturday, temperatures started spending a lot of time below freezing.

Georgetown U. tries to be Catholic and gay-friendly

Jenna Johnson — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 22:22:02 EST

Sivagami "Shiva" Subbaraman was leading a workshop about making college campuses more gay-friendly in February 2008 when a Georgetown University student burst into the room with news: The university president had agreed to open a resource center for gay students and hire a full-time director to r...