DMV Download from WTOP News

Latest Episodes:

Va. students fall behind on reading as classes return Aug 09, 2022

Show notes

More fourth and fifth grade students in Arlington County, Virginia needed literacy help at the end of the last school year than at the beginning, according to data from the Virginia school system. We talk to WTOP’s Scott Gelman. He helps us make sense of these concerning numbers and the stories behind them. And WTOP's Kristi King tells us the story of beagles rescued from a 'torturous' facility in Virginia. The 10 dogs will soon be up for adoption in Fairfax County.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Understanding lightning after deadly DC strike Aug 08, 2022

Show notes

Only one person survived a lightning strike that hit four people in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. The bolt hit a tree in Lafayette Square near the White House and then electrocuted four people standing underneath. How did this happen? And what can we do to prevent this? We talk to meteorologist with National Lightning Safety Council Chris Vagasky about how we should think about lightning safety.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fauci says we can ‘control’ monkeypox as DMV faces vaccine shortage Aug 05, 2022

Show notes

We spend the whole episode on monkeypox and how the region is handling the vaccine scarcity. It’s the first day D.C. is holding it’s pop-up vaccine clinics for monkeypox and Luke spoke to some of those waiting in a line that wrapped around the block. Then, we speak with Dr. Anthony Fauci on the history of the virus and if we should make any changes to our daily lives given the public health emergency.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Teens urge Va. to drop ‘sexually explicit’ label from LGBTQ+ lessons Aug 04, 2022

Show notes

Hundreds of students across Virginia are taking a stance, and urging the state’s Department of Education to change guidelines that define any references to LGBTQ+ people in the classroom as ‘sexually explicit content.’ Their request questions the basis of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s bill that would require parents be alerted when school materials contain sexually explicit content. WTOP’s Scott Gelman joins us to share the voices and background on the issue that represents the latest chapter in the Commonwealth’s debate over how social issues should be addressed in the classroom.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DC considers ‘right on red’ ban for cyclist safety Aug 03, 2022

Show notes

A change could be coming to D.C. streets including the possibility drivers can no longer turn right on red. This would happen if legislation proposed by Councilmember Mary Cheh is approved as-is. The Safer Streets Amendment Act of 2022 comes after three cyclists died in the city last month. We talk about the bill with Jeremiah Lowery of the Washington Area Bicylists Association. We also zoom out with Virginia Tech Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning Ralph Buehler to talk about urban planning and what the future hold for DC city planning.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

‘The curse of the Childish Bambino’: Nats trade slugger Juan Soto Aug 02, 2022

Show notes

Nationals fans are reeling today at word superstar Juan Soto is officially traded to the San Diego Padres along with first baseman Josh Bell. In return, the Nats get a bevy of prospects on their roster, but as WTOP’s Dave Preston tells us, no matter the details of the deal, this move won’t long be forgotten. WTOP’s Shawn Anderson weighs in on the tremendous gut punch fans are experiencing in losing the team’s best player, perhaps of all time. Then, we speak to Mr. Brick of Instagram fame about his talent for recreating famous movie scenes entirely out of Legos.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Faux federal agent flips & shares Navy Yard apartment scheme Aug 01, 2022

Show notes

One of two men who is accused of impersonating a federal officer and allegedly not only offered US Secret Service agents free rent but iPhones, surveillance systems, a TV, and guns is changing his plea to guilty and sharing the details of their scheme with federal investigators. WTOP’s John Domen listened in on the court hearing and shares some of what investigators learned.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Elrich v. Blair: Why the race for Montgomery Co executive is still so close Jul 29, 2022

Show notes

Election workers are accepting the last batch of mail-in ballots for a tight Democratic primary race for Montgomery County executive today. WTOP’s Kate Ryan tells us why this run-off between incumbent Marc Elrich and businessman David Blair – despite its length – is just part of a step-by-step ballot counting process. And while some ballots are still coming in, the candidates running for Maryland governor are set. Despite democrats outnumbering republicans in Maryland, Kate Ryan says the race between democrat Wes Moore and republican Dan Cox is not a foregone conclusion.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Viral TikTok about harassment prompts Metro safety concerns Jul 28, 2022

Show notes

Metro’s new General Manager Randy Clarke is starting his role officially by addressing the fallout from a viral TikTok video where rider says she was sexually harrassed by a man on a station and no one came to help. Questions remain over what exactly happened on the Metro platform, but all eyes are on the question of how to ride Metro safely. WTOP’s John Domen asked Clarke about this issue and we also talk about what you can do if you're in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation on Metro. Then WTOP’s John Aaron shares some of Clarke’s service announcements on his first official day, including updates to the Silver Line and shorter wait times for passengers on three rail lines.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DC stands firm on 'no shots, no school' Jul 27, 2022

Show notes

Kids go back to school in about six weeks depending on their school district, and education leaders in DC say now is the time to get students vaccinated. WTOP’s Kristi King tells us about the aggressive ‘no shots, no school’ policy in the District and how it’s accommodating parents to ensure in-person instruction can go on without any quarantine interruption this fall.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.