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Tag: ian crawford

  • DC region utility companies ready resources for possible storm-related power outages – WTOP News

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    After the immediate snow, the bigger concern will be the freezing rain and ice that is expected to form on tree branches and power lines that could bring them down and potentially leave you in the dark.

    We may be feeling effects from the snow, ice and below-freezing temperatures we’re expecting for the next few days.

    After the immediate snow, the bigger concern will be the freezing rain and ice that is expected to form on tree branches and power lines that could bring them down and potentially leave you in the dark. Utility companies in D.C., Maryland and Virginia have been preparing for this for days, getting resources in place to respond quickly.

    “We’re making sure that we’ve got adequate crews on the system to respond to outages, should they occur,” said Tammy Sanford, director of regional power operations for Pepco, which provides power for the District and Maryland.

    But how much ice we get and where the power lines go down may affect how quickly crews can get your power restored. Aisha Khan at Dominion Energy in Virginia told WTOP it could be hours and potentially days before power may be fixed.

    “I do want to emphasize that this could be gradual restoration,” Khan said.

    Khan also urged caution if you encounter a downed power line.

    “Stay away from those power lines. Always assume they are energized. We ask that you stay 30 feet away,” she said.

    Both Pepco and Dominion say you should have enough food and water for 72 hours, in case the power goes out, and make sure your phone is charged up.

    If your power does go out, call your utility to let them know — don’t assume it already knows.

    Pepco’s Sanford adds there’s one more thing people can do to help crews speed up the restoration process.

    “Please, if you don’t need to be out on the roads, it’s going to be really important that first responders, including fire, police and our crews, can safely make their way around our system,” she said.

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    © 2026 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Ian Crawford

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  • How an hour in January can help your finances throughout the year – WTOP News

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    Planning the finances for a new year is a task many put off, because it sounds daunting and time-consuming. But one financial expert says it doesn’t have to be that scary, and it doesn’t need to take that long.

    Mapping out a financial plan for the new year is a task many put off, because it sounds daunting and time-consuming. But one financial expert said it doesn’t have to be that scary, and it doesn’t need to take that long.

    “I wish our listeners would just take an hour or two to set aside time and hire yourself to dive into your finances,” said Barry Glassman, founder and president of Glassman Wealth Services.

    Within the hour or so that’s set aside, Glassman said the time can easily be used to establish automated payment schedules and savings allocations.

    “So let’s say you wanted to build up a cash reserve, you want to set aside money to buy a house. Take a look at your 401(k) holding,” Glassman said. “Make sure you’re getting the match, those kinds of things. Set those things up automatically in January.”

    Reviewing credit card statements is also key, Glassman said, as many include summaries that lay out specifically how funds are being spent.

    “If you see where your money went last year, nine times out of 10 you’ll likely reprioritize where you want to spend in 2026,” he said. “If you’re sharing expenses with a loved one or a roommate, go through those expenses and have an open conversation. Is this where we want our money to go in 2026?”

    It’s also worth prioritizing investment interests for the year, and figuring out the dollar amount that will go toward the rainy day fund. Glassman said even five bucks a week can go a long way over time.

    “A lot of people are overwhelmed with, ‘I don’t know how to start saving,’” Glassman said. “Start small. If it’s $10, if it’s $100, it doesn’t matter.”

    When it comes to useful financial planning tools, AI chatbots can also be used to help identify best ways to save and plan, according to Glassman.

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    Ian Crawford

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  • New partnership offering transit travel training to domestic abuse survivors in Loudoun – WTOP News

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    A public-private partnership is offering transit travel training and a free $50 SmarTrip card to domestic abuse survivors in Loudoun County.

    This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partner InsideNoVa.com. Sign up for InsideNoVa.com’s free email subscription today.

    WTOP’s Ian Crawford reports on a new partnership focused on supporting domestic abuse survivors in Loudoun.

    A public-private partnership is offering transit travel training and a free $50 SmarTrip card to domestic abuse survivors in Loudoun County.

    The initiative is a collaboration between the Dulles Area Transportation Association (DATA) and Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter (LAWS). Funding comes from a discretionary grant from the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation.

    DATA developed the program after studies showed that transportation access can help survivors by improving their ability to leave abusive situations, connect with support services and build self-sufficiency.

    The idea was influenced by the Northeast Illinois Regional Transportation Authority, which distributed transit passes to survivors in 2023. In that program, survivors used passes to reach medical appointments, court hearings, support groups and other services. They also used them for daily needs such as grocery shopping, school drop-offs, job interviews and commuting to work.

    “Access to transit also fosters stability for families going through a destabilizing time,” the Illinois authority reported.

    As part of the Loudoun initiative, training includes specific directions to Dulles International Airport, which has job openings available. DATA has connected LAWS case managers with airport company hiring managers, and LAWS staff and clients were encouraged to attend a job fair at the airport earlier in September.

    “Independence is a critical part of healing after abuse,” said Samantha Clarke, CEO of LAWS. “Survivors will now have the tools and confidence to travel safely to jobs, school, medical care and community resources, helping them rebuild their lives on their own terms.”

    Guy Gravett, a board member of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, said the foundation was happy to fund the initiative.

    “Domestic violence does profound damage to a person’s ability to self-care,” he added. “We hope this transportation training and stipend will empower survivors to regain some autonomy and the ability to improve their economic situation and general wellbeing.”

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    Kate Corliss

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  • Funeral scheduled for Maryland woman found dead on Route 50 – WTOP News

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    Funeral plans have been announced for the Prince George’s County, Maryland, woman found dead along Route 50 last month.

    Funeral plans have been announced for the Prince George’s County, Maryland, woman found dead along Route 50 last month.

    Services for 19-year-old DaCara Thompson will be held Tuesday at Kettering Baptist church on Crain Highway, according to WUSA9.

    Thompson went missing last month when she left home and never returned. A week later her body was found in Anne Arundel County.

    Police arrested 35-year-old Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, charging him with first degree murder.

    Authorities said the man is in the U.S. illegally.

    He was denied bail last week and according to court documents investigators believe Hernandez-Mendez threw Thompson’s body off the South River Bridge on Route 50, a drop of more than 30 feet, and that her body had numerous fractures.

    The motive for the killing is still under investigation.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Ian Crawford

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  • Nine people displaced after fire consumes Laytonsville home – WTOP News

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    Five adults and four children are without a place to live after their Laytonsville, Maryland, home was destroyed by fire on Friday.

    A total of nine people have been displaced after a fire broke out at their Laytonsville, Maryland, home on Friday.
    (Courtesy Pete Piringer)

    Courtesy Pete Piringer

    Laytonsville house fire
    Investigators said the fire at the single-family home was accidental. However, officials are still unclear on how exactly it started.
    (Courtesy Pete Piringer)

    Courtesy Pete Piringer

    Laytonsville house fire
    No one was hurt in the Friday afternoon blaze on Churchill Downs Road that saw upward of 60 first responders alerted to the scene.
    (Courtesy Pete Piringer)

    Courtesy Pete Piringer

    Five adults and four children are without a place to live after their Laytonsville, Maryland, home was destroyed by fire on Friday.

    No one was hurt in the Friday afternoon blaze on Churchill Downs Road that saw upward of 60 first responders alerted to the scene.

    Investigators said the fire at the single-family home was accidental, and that its origin point was traced to a recycling bin located just outside the garage.

    However, officials are still unclear on how exactly it started.

    Montgomery County Fire and Rescue spokesman Pete Piringer said in a social media post on Saturday that fire damages amounted to about $1 million, including $100,000 in contents.

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    © 2025 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

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    Ian Crawford

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