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Tag: jessica kronzer

  • What’s known about weekend snowfall possibility in DC area – WTOP News

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    Forecasts call for the winter weather to start out as a rain-snow mix as early as Sunday morning in the D.C. region.

    There’s little clarity about whether the weekend’s forecast will bring inches of snowfall — or totally let down D.C.’s snow lovers.

    Forecasts call for the winter weather to start out as a rain-snow mix early Sunday morning in the D.C. region.

    “Right now, we’re calling for a cold rain throughout the day on Sunday before transitioning to a wintry mix and some slushy snow Sunday night into very early Monday morning,” 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin said.

    The National Weather Service has said it’s likely “some accumulating snow” will reach the D.C. region Sunday. NWS maps estimate most of the D.C. region will see between 1 to 3 inches of snowfall.

    But areas north and west of the D.C. metro could see 5 inches or more.

    The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch beginning Sunday for parts of Frederick, Carroll, Baltimore, Montgomery, Howard counties in Maryland and western Loudoun County, Virginia. It will last through Monday afternoon where D.C.’s north and northwest suburbs could see up to 6 inches of pasty snow.

    Some of the uncertainty about snow totals comes from a coastal storm that’s expected to develop off the coastline of North Carolina and South Carolina.

    Just how far east or west it develops could impact weather across the mid-Atlantic, Rudin said.

    Saturday will be mild with partly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-50s. By nightfall, temperatures will drop into the mid-30s as clouds roll in. There’s a possibility for some light rain

    During the day Sunday, temperatures will be in the mid-30s — which could be warm enough to limit where snow sticks to grassy areas. Wet weather will develop throughout the day, where a rain-snow mix will coat most of the region.

    Colder air is expected to move in Sunday night.

    The highest chance for heavy snowfall is from late Sunday night to early Monday morning.

    The snow is expected to subside by sunrise Monday. But any snowfall that builds up on area roads could make for a slick morning commute.

    Gusty winds and colder air follow, with a few leftover slick spots early in the day before conditions gradually improve.

    Most of the so-called ‘”snowcrete” has washed away after last month’s winter storm. A spokesperson with the Virginia Department of Transportation, Alex Liggitt, told WTOP that crews are holding off on pretreating the roads because forecast rain could wash away those efforts.

    “Once snow begins and we’re starting to see it sticking, get off the roads if you can, maybe try to get your errands done tomorrow on your Saturday,” Liggitt said. “Stay home if you can on Sunday and let allow us to get out there and do our job to try to get these roads cleared as quickly as possible.”

    FORECAST

    SATURDAY:
    Clouds to Sun
    Highs: 50s
    Winds: Northwest 5-10 mph
    Saturday looks quieter but stays on the cool side behind Friday’s cold front. Expect a mix of clouds and some sunshine through the day, with highs in the low to mid 50s and a light northwest breeze around 10 mph. It’s a decent outdoor day overall, but the atmosphere will already be gearing up for a more active pattern by late weekend.

    SUNDAY:
    Rain, Wintry Mix and Snow
    Highs: 35-40
    Winds: North 5-10 mph
    Sunday turns cloudy and chilly with wet weather developing during the morning. It likely starts as rain or a rain-snow mix, and stays mostly light through the day. Temperatures hover in the mid 30s, so any snow has a tough time sticking except on grass and at higher elevations.

    SUNDAY NIGHT:
    Colder with temperatures in the low 30s
    Winds: Northwest 10-20 mph
    Sunday night is the main window to watch as colder air works in and the mix changes to steadier snow during the evening. Light to occasionally moderate snow continues overnight, with the steadiest snow most likely north and west of DC; and farther to the northeast over New Jersey. 

    MONDAY:
    Scattered Clouds, Blustery
    Highs: 37-52
    Winds: Northwest 10-20, Gusts to 30 mph
    Monday looks colder and breezy as the storm pulls away. Any leftover snow or rain early should taper off, with clouds gradually breaking. Highs stay chilly, mainly the upper 30s to lower 40s along with gusts to 30 mph at times.

    CURRENT CONDITIONS

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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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    Jessica Kronzer

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  • 3rd child with measles in Virginia visited health care facilities in Woodbridge, Falls Church – WTOP News

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    Virginia health officials are warning that people who were around the most recently-diagnosed patient may have been exposed to the highly-contagious illness. The child visited several health care centers in Northern Virginia last week.

    A young child who lives in Northern Virginia has tested positive for measles after traveling internationally, marking the third case in the state this month, according to health officials.

    All three cases of measles have involved children who are ages 4 or younger; the Virginia Department of Health officials clarified Tuesday that the latest case is unrelated to the one reported on Jan. 11.

    Virginia health officials are warning that people who were around the most recently-diagnosed patient may have been exposed to the highly-contagious illness. The child visited several health care centers in Northern Virginia last week.

    These are the sites where Virginia health officials said people could have been exposed:

    • PM Pediatric Urgent Care, located at 2690 Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge
      • Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
    •  Inova Children’s Emergency Department, located at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church
      • Thursday, Jan. 15 from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
      • Friday, Jan. 16 from 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Inova Fairfax Hospital Women’s and Children’s Building, floors 2-10, located at 3300 Gallows Road in Falls Church
      • Saturday, Jan. 17 at 2:30 a.m. to Sunday, Jan. 18 at 5 p.m.

    So far this year, two children in Northern Virginia have contracted measles as well as another child who lives in the central part of the Commonwealth, according to the health department.

    The cases come amid multiple measles outbreaks in the U.S. that have put the country at risk of losing its measles-free designation, international health authorities told The Associated Press.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states with three or more related cases would constitute an outbreak. There have been no new outbreaks reported by the CDC this year.

    What to do if you’ve potentially been exposed

    If you’re concerned you may have been exposed to measles, Virginia health officials said to look into whether you’ve been vaccinated or had the illness in the past. That includes being up to date on vaccinations.

    Virginians can request their immunization status online.

    If you are not fully vaccinated and have not had measles in the past, health officials recommend you contact your health care provider or call your local health department. There are post-exposure treatments that can be used in certain scenarios.

    Anyone who may have been exposed should watch for measles symptoms for 21 days, according to Virginia health officials. In the most recent case, the most likely time frame for others to get sick would be between Jan. 20 to Feb. 8.

    Should symptoms pop up, health officials said to isolate at home and call your health care provider. Those symptoms could include a runny nose, fever over 101 degrees, cough, red or watery eyes and a rash.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

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

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    Jessica Kronzer

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  • Virginia voter guide: Another special election ahead in Fairfax County to replace a longtime delegate – WTOP News

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    Voters in part of Fairfax County will soon head to the polls to fill an open seat vacated by Mark Sickles in Virginia’s House of Delegates for District 17.

    Voters in part of Fairfax County will soon head to the polls to fill an open seat in Virginia’s House of Delegates for District 17.

    Early voting opens Saturday and the special election will be held Jan. 20 to find a replacement for Democratic Del. Mark Sickles.

    It’s one of a series of special elections triggered by sporadic appointments to Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s cabinet, including an upcoming contest that will take place in another part of Fairfax County and Fairfax City.

    The candidates on the ballot in District 17 are Democrat Garrett McGuire and Republican Chris Cardiff.

    Cardiff previously worked as the chief operating officer at a data analytics company with a focus on political campaigns.

    According to his LinkedIn, McGuire worked as a legislative assistant in the Virginia House of Delegates and served with several local nonprofits.

    McGuire has been endorsed by the district’s outgoing representative.

    After more than 20 years in the Virginia General Assembly, Sickles is leaving his seat behind to join Spanberger’s cabinet as the secretary of finance.

    Following Sickles’ appointment, each party had about a week to nominate a candidate for the special election. McGuire won the Democratic nomination during a firehouse primary last month and Republicans selected McGuire as their nominee.

    Outside of Sickles’ departure, a handful of sitting lawmakers are resigning from the Virginia General Assembly to join Spanberger’s administration.

    The contest on Jan. 20 will be the second special election in Fairfax County this month.

    Voters are also headed to the polls Jan. 13 to fill an open seat vacated by District 11 Del. David Bulova. That same day, voters in parts of Prince William and Stafford counties will elect a new delegate to replace Del. Candi Mundon King, who represents District 23.

    Dates at a glance

    • Early in-person voting: Jan. 10 through Jan. 17
    • Deadline to register or update voter registration: Jan. 13
    • Deadline to request mail-in or absentee ballot: Jan. 9
    • Election Day: Jan. 20

    Early voting

    There will be two locations offering early voting from Jan. 10 through Jan. 17.

    Early voting will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center:

    • On weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
    • On Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    And ballots can be cast at the at the Franconia Governmental Center:

    • On weekdays, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    • On Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Check in with your local registrar’s office for more information on voting early.

    Voting on Election Day

    Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for in-person voting on Jan. 20.

    There’s a tool on Fairfax County’s website to show you where to vote.

    Curbside voting is available to people who are 65 or older, or those with disabilities.

    Voters needs to bring a valid ID to the polls. If you happen to forget, you can sign an ID confirmation statement or vote with a provisional ballot.

    To get your provisional ballot counted, you have until noon on Jan. 23 to bring a copy of your ID to the local electoral board or sign a confirmation statement.

    A list of acceptable forms of ID is available online.

    Vote by mail

    Virginians don’t have much time left to request a mail-in ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Jan. 9.

    To be tallied, absentee ballots have to be postmarked on or before the special election, and received by Jan. 23.

    Outside of mailing those absentee ballots, voters can also bring them to a drop-off location. Check in with your city or county elections office for information about drop boxes and their locations.

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    Jessica Kronzer

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  • Virginia voter guide: Special election to fill open seats in Virginia General Assembly – WTOP News

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    Virginia is holding a special election to fill two open seats in the House of Delegates, vacated by lawmakers who are destined for Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s cabinet.

    A special election is set for Jan. 13 to fill two open seats in Virginia’s House of Delegates, vacated by delegates destined for Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger’s cabinet.

    The special election is taking place in two Northern Virginia districts that include parts of Fairfax, Prince William and Stafford counties, as well as Fairfax City.

    The results of the upcoming special election will bring some new faces to Richmond. None of the candidates running have prior experience serving in Virginia’s General Assembly.

    Both districts are considered to be Democratic strongholds and the open seats are currently occupied by Democratic lawmakers, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

    In District 11, Democrat Gretchen Bulova is facing off against Republican Adam Wise.

    In nearby District 23, Democrat Margaret Franklin and Republican nominee Verndell Robinson are running for the open seat.

    Dates at a glance

    • Early in-person voting: Jan. 3 through Jan. 10
    • Deadline to register or update voter registration: Jan. 6
    • Deadline to request mail-in or absentee ballot: Friday, Jan. 2
    • Election Day: Jan. 13

    Early voting

    Early voting will be held for one week, from Jan. 3 through Jan. 10 at 5 p.m.

    These are the Fairfax County early voting locations:

    • The Fairfax County Government Center is open Monday to Friday for early voting, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to the county government. On Saturdays, polls are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • The Jim Scott Community Center is also open for early voting Monday to Friday, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. It’s also open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

    In Fairfax City, voters can cast a ballot early at city hall from these times:

    • Voting is open at Fairfax City Hall, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s also open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    These are the early voting locations in Prince William County:

    • Office of Elections on Lee Avenue
    • A.J. Ferlazzo Building in Woodbridge
    • ​​​​​​​Dumfries Community Center

    All three locations in Prince William County are open for early voting from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, with hours extended until 7 p.m. for Wednesday. On Saturdays, voting is open to 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Voting is also open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Stafford County is also offering early voting:

    • Polls are open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the general registrar’s office located at 124 Old Potomac Church Road. On Saturdays, early voting is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Get in touch with your local registrar’s office for more information on where to vote early.

    Voting on Election Day

    Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. for in-person voting on Jan. 13.

    Voters who are 65 or older, or those with disabilities, have the option of voting curbside.

    Anyone hoping to vote needs to bring a valid ID. If you happen to forget, you can sign an ID confirmation statement or vote with a provisional ballot.

    To get your provisional ballot counted, you have until noon on Jan. 16 to bring a copy of your ID to the local electoral board or sign a confirmation statement.

    A list of acceptable forms of ID is available online.

    Vote by mail

    Friday is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot. Virginians can request an absentee ballot online.

    Those ballots have to be postmarked on or before Jan. 13 and received by Jan. 16.

    Outside of mailing those absentee ballots, voters can also bring them to a drop-off location. Check in with your city or county elections office for information about drop boxes and their locations.

    Who’s on the ballot?

    District 11

    Democrat Gretchen Bulova is vying to succeed her husband, Del. David Bulova, in District 11.

    The longtime delegate was appointed by Spanberger to serve as the secretary of natural and historic resources.

    Gretchen Bulova is running against Wise, the Republican nominee, for a shot at representing voters in Fairfax City and parts of Fairfax County.

    Wise, a Fairfax native, is resurrecting his platform from when he challenged David Bulova in 2025. He’s a firearms instructor and self-defense teacher.

    Gretchen Bulova has served as the chair of the Fairfax County 250th Commission since 2021 and the county’s history commission for years.

    District 23

    There’s a second open seat up for grabs on Jan. 13 over in District 23, where Del. Candi Mundon King is stepping away to serve as the next secretary of the Commonwealth.

    Margaret Franklin, the Prince William County supervisor, hopes to maintain a Democratic hold in the district, which includes parts of both Prince William and Stafford counties.

    She’s facing off against Republican nominee Verndell Robinson, a real estate agent and Navy veteran, according to a local GOP committee.

    The Democratic nominees in the upcoming special election were selected last month in firehouse primaries — contests run by the party, not the state. But the Republican committees in District 11 and District 23 nominated candidates without holding caucuses.

    Meanwhile, a second special election will be held later in January in a different part of Fairfax County. Democrat Garrett McGuire and Republican Chris Cardiff are competing to fill an open seat in District 17 on Jan. 20.

    Del. Mark Sickles, who represents District 17, was tapped to serve as Virginia’s next secretary of finance.

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  • These laws start New Year’s Day in Virginia, Maryland, DC – WTOP News

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    Health, social media and paychecks are among the topics addressed in a wide-range of legislation that hits the books in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland on Jan. 1, 2026.

    A wide range of legislation hit the books on New Year’s Day in Virginia, Maryland and D.C.

    Health, social media and paychecks are among the topics addressed in the laws that began on Jan. 1, 2026.

    Here a few of the new laws beginning in the new year:

    Virginia

    You can find details on any Virginia laws on the state law portal.

    Kids get social media limits

    Is a break from social media on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Virginia has banned kids under 16 from using social media for more than one hour a day, under the Consumer Data Protection Act.

    The law allows parents to adjust that daily limit as they see fit. Some exceptions to the law include platforms that are mostly used for email or direct messaging, streaming services and news sites.

    Social media companies are required to accurately verify a young person’s age under the new law. And companies are not allowed to use the age information for anything else.

    There are questions about the law’s practicality and whether it will be effective, including from Jennifer Golbeck, a professor at the University of Maryland’s College of Information, who said it’s unclear whether the law will have its intended effect.

    Solicitors’ repeated texts 

    There may be an avenue to reel in unwanted texts or calls from solicitors under the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act.

    If you reply to a solicitor’s text with “UNSUBSCRIBE” or “STOP,” they are required by law to listen.

    In fact, the seller won’t be allowed to reach back out to you for at least 10 years after being told to stop.

    Ignoring requests to stop contact could land a solicitor with a fine, which increases with each violation.

    Toxic metal in baby food

    Baby food sold in Virginia needs to be tested for toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.

    The law bans the sale or distribution of products that exceed limits on toxic heavy metals, set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    The Baby Food Protection Act also requires information about toxic heavy metals to be listed on the manufacturer’s website and on the product itself. Consumers can report baby food that they believe violates the FDA limits.

    Coverage for breast exams, prostate cancer screenings

    Beginning on Jan. 1, insurance companies can’t charge patients for diagnostic or follow-up breast examinations, under HB 1828. The bill requires insurance providers to cover the cost of certain mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds.

    Similarly, Virginia also updated the coverage requirements for prostate cancer screenings through SB 1314. Insurance companies will need to cover the cost of updated tests for prostate cancer for men over the age of 50 or high-risk men age 40 or older.

    Minimum wage bump

    Minimum wage is going up to $12.77 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2026.

    That’s a jump of 36 cents from the current minimum wage of $12.41 per hour. State law mandates that the wage will incrementally increase until it reaches $15 per hour in 2028.

    Beginning in January 2029, the minimum wage will be adjusted based off increases in the consumer price index.

    Unemployment benefits

    Those on unemployment will see a bump in their weekly benefits. The payments will go up by $52 from the existing rate.

    Maryland

    The Maryland General Assembly has an outline of new laws for 2026 online. Here’s a breakdown of a few notable laws.

    Tax protections for homeowners and heirs

    A revision to the state’s tax code looks to protect homeowners and heirs who owe taxes on a property. Counties are required to withhold certain properties where heirs live from unpaid property taxes.

    Maryland extended the period of time between a warning and when a property is sold for taxes owed on real estate. It’s also creating a statewide registry for heirs.

    Anesthesia coverage

    No one wants to wake up to a surprise medical bill. Maryland has banned time limits on the delivery of anesthesia to patients when it’s recommended by a medical professional.

    That means if your insurance agrees to cover anesthesia, they have to provide coverage for the entire medical procedure, according to the law.

    It applies to groups that provide medical coverage, such as the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, managed care organizations, certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans and health maintenance organizations.

    Domestic violence awareness for cosmetologists 

    Hairdressers, nail techs and other cosmetologists in Maryland are being required to take a new type of training that’s centered around looking out for clients who may be facing abuse at home.

    Cosmetologists will be required to take training on domestic violence awareness as a requirement to maintain their license starting Jan. 1.

    The lessons will go over how to spot signs of domestic violence and ways to talk things through with a client who may be in need of help.

    Cancer screenings for firefighters

    Counties that offer self-insured employee health benefit plans have to cover the cost of preventive cancer screenings for firefighters. Those firefighters who qualify won’t have to pay for those screenings.

    The James “Jimmy” Malone Act also requires the Maryland Health Commission to study the impact of increasing access to cancer screenings

    Pediatric hospitals 

    Insurance providers cannot require prior authorization for a child to be transferred to a pediatric hospital, under this Maryland law. The same rules go for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and the Maryland Children’s Health Program.

    DC

    D.C.’s full library of laws can be accessed online.

    Criminal records

    There are new rules in D.C. that call for automatic expungements in certain scenarios, under a provision of the Second Chance Amendment Act.

    Starting in the new year, any qualifying case will be automatically expunged within 90 days.

    The change applies to cases where the charge has been legalized or found unconstitutional.

    For certain misdemeanors that do not end in a conviction, the records will be automatically sealed.

    If a person is convicted, the record will be sealed automatically, 10 years after the completed sentence. There are exceptions under the law. Violent crimes, sexual abuse and driving under the influence are among the misdemeanor charges that do not qualify.

    Health care for low income residents

    Under the 2026 fiscal year budget, low income residents will see changes to their health care coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026. The budget changed the eligibility requirement for Medicaid, tightening the income requirement for childless adults and adult caregivers.

    Those low-income residents who are no longer eligible for Medicaid could be moved to a Basic Health Plan, administered by D.C. Some services covered by Medicaid are not covered under the Basic Health Plan, including dental and vision for adults.

    Ambulance fees 

    The District is raising the cap for the cost of being transported by an ambulance — a cost it says will mostly fall on insurance companies, not patients.

    Fees will increase from $1,750 to $2,000 for patients on life support. Any patient who is transported in an ambulance is charged by ground transport mileage; that rate is increasing from $26.25 to $30 per loaded mile.

    For the most part, D.C. Fire and EMS says insurance should cover ambulance bills in most cases. The fees help offset taxes related to funding EMS services, according to the department’s website.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

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

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    Jessica Kronzer

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  • These laws start New Year’s Day in Virginia, Maryland, DC – WTOP News

    [ad_1]

    Health, social media and paychecks are among the topics addressed in a wide-range of legislation that hits the books in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland on Jan. 1, 2026.

    A slew of new laws will go into effect in Virginia, Maryland and D.C. on New Year’s Day.

    Health, social media and paychecks are among the topics addressed in the wide range of legislation that hits the books on Jan. 1, 2026.

    Here a few of the new laws beginning in the new year:

    Virginia

    You can find details on any Virginia laws on the state law portal.

    Kids get social media limits

    Is a break from social media on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Virginia has banned kids under 16 from using social media for more than one hour a day, under the Consumer Data Protection Act.

    The law allows parents to adjust that daily limit as they see fit. Some exceptions to the law include platforms that are mostly used for email or direct messaging, streaming services and news sites.

    Social media companies are required to accurately verify a young person’s age under the new law. And companies are not allowed to use the age information for anything else.

    There are questions about the law’s practicality and whether it will be effective, including from Jennifer Golbeck, a professor at the University of Maryland’s College of Information, who said it’s unclear whether the law will have its intended effect.

    Solicitors’ repeated texts 

    There may be an avenue to reel in unwanted texts or calls from solicitors under the Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act.

    If you reply to a solicitor’s text with “UNSUBSCRIBE” or “STOP,” they are required by law to listen.

    In fact, the seller won’t be allowed to reach back out to you for at least 10 years after being told to stop.

    Ignoring requests to stop contact could land a solicitor with a fine, which increases with each violation.

    Toxic metal in baby food

    Baby food sold in Virginia needs to be tested for toxic heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.

    The law bans the sale or distribution of products that exceed limits on toxic heavy metals, set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    The Baby Food Protection Act also requires information about toxic heavy metals to be listed on the manufacturer’s website and on the product itself. Consumers can report baby food that they believe violates the FDA limits.

    Coverage for breast exams, prostate cancer screenings

    Beginning on Jan. 1, insurance companies can’t charge patients for diagnostic or follow-up breast examinations, under HB 1828. The bill requires insurance providers to cover the cost of certain mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds.

    Similarly, Virginia also updated the coverage requirements for prostate cancer screenings through SB 1314. Insurance companies will need to cover the cost of updated tests for prostate cancer for men over the age of 50 or high-risk men age 40 or older.

    Minimum wage bump

    Minimum wage is going up to $12.77 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2026.

    That’s a jump of 36 cents from the current minimum wage of $12.41 per hour. State law mandates that the wage will incrementally increase until it reaches $15 per hour in 2028.

    Beginning in January 2029, the minimum wage will be adjusted based off increases in the consumer price index.

    Unemployment benefits

    Those on unemployment will see a bump in their weekly benefits. The payments will go up by $52 from the existing rate.

    Maryland

    The Maryland General Assembly has an outline of new laws for 2026 online. Here’s a breakdown of a few notable laws.

    Tax protections for homeowners and heirs

    A revision to the state’s tax code looks to protect homeowners and heirs who owe taxes on a property. Counties will be required to withhold certain properties where heirs live from unpaid property taxes.

    Maryland extended the period of time between a warning and when a property is sold for taxes owed on real estate. It’s also creating a statewide registry for heirs.

    Anesthesia coverage

    No one wants to wake up to a surprise medical bill. Maryland has banned time limits on the delivery of anesthesia to patients when it’s recommended by a medical professional.

    That means if your insurance agrees to cover anesthesia, they have to provide coverage for the entire medical procedure, according to the law.

    It applies to groups that provide medical coverage, such as the Maryland Medical Assistance Program, managed care organizations, certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans and health maintenance organizations.

    Domestic violence awareness for cosmetologists 

    Hairdressers, nail techs and other cosmetologists in Maryland are being required to take a new type of training that’s centered around looking out for clients who may be facing abuse at home.

    Cosmetologists will be required to take training on domestic violence awareness as a requirement to maintain their license starting Jan. 1.

    The lessons will go over how to spot signs of domestic violence and ways to talk things through with a client who may be in need of help.

    Cancer screenings for firefighters

    Counties that offer self-insured employee health benefit plans have to cover the cost of preventive cancer screenings for firefighters. Those firefighters who qualify won’t have to pay for those screenings.

    The James “Jimmy” Malone Act also requires the Maryland Health Commission to study the impact of increasing access to cancer screenings

    Pediatric hospitals 

    Insurance providers cannot require prior authorization for a child to be transferred to a pediatric hospital, under this Maryland law. The same rules go for the Maryland Medical Assistance Program and the Maryland Children’s Health Program.

    DC

    D.C.’s full library of laws can be accessed online.

    Criminal records

    There are new rules in D.C. that call for automatic expungements in certain scenarios, under a provision of the Second Chance Amendment Act.

    Starting in the new year, any qualifying case will be automatically expunged within 90 days.

    The change applies to cases where the charge has been legalized or found unconstitutional.

    For certain misdemeanors that do not end in a conviction, the records will be automatically sealed.

    If a person is convicted, the record will be sealed automatically, 10 years after the completed sentence. There are exceptions under the law. Violent crimes, sexual abuse and driving under the influence are among the misdemeanor charges that do not qualify.

    Health care for low income residents

    Under the 2026 fiscal year budget, low income residents will see changes to their health care coverage starting Jan. 1, 2026. The budget changed the eligibility requirement for Medicaid, tightening the income requirement for childless adults and adult caregivers.

    Those low-income residents who are no longer eligible for Medicaid could be moved to a Basic Health Plan, administered by D.C. Some services covered by Medicaid are not covered under the Basic Health Plan, including dental and vision for adults.

    Ambulance fees 

    The District is raising the cap for the cost of being transported by an ambulance — a cost it says will mostly fall on insurance companies, not patients.

    Fees will increase from $1,750 to $2,000 for patients on life support. Any patient who is transported in an ambulance is charged by ground transport mileage; that rate is increasing from $26.25 to $30 per loaded mile.

    For the most part, D.C. Fire and EMS says insurance should cover ambulance bills in most cases. The fees help offset taxes related to funding EMS services, according to the department’s website.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

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

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    Jessica Kronzer

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  • Using curiosity to save Thanksgiving dinner from political arguments – WTOP News

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    Many would say politics should be barred from holiday celebrations. But a George Mason University professor’s findings could offer insight in how to discuss politics without a holiday brawl.

    There are plenty of political topics to be hashed out over Thanksgiving dinners in the D.C. area.

    Many would say politics should be barred from holiday celebrations. But a George Mason University professor’s findings could offer insight in how to discuss politics without a holiday brawl.

    Todd Kashdan is the lead author of a study that looked to encourage conversations between people on opposite ends of the political spectrum.

    There’s a couple strategies to bridge the gap, recommended by Kashdan, a professor of psychology at Mason and the founder of the Well-Being Laboratory.

    Should someone make a remark you find outlandish, he said consider replying, “I wasn’t going to say anything but … I totally apologize if this comes off the wrong way, but I’m really anxious even to say anything.”

    He calls this approach the “discomfort caveat.”

    “When you reveal that you’re uncomfortable speaking up, but you plan to do it anyway, people are intrigued,” he said. “‘What are you going to say? Just spit it out.’ And so people’s defenses come down and their curiosity goes up.”

    Kashdan also recommended reframing your questions that follow up on a loved one’s comments.

    “Instead of asking, ‘Why did you bring that up?’” he said. “With an air of intrigue and wonder, you can ask, ‘How would that work, if what you’re saying actually came to fruition?’”

    Fostering that curiosity could lead to a more productive conversation, according to his research published earlier this month in a journal called “Scientific Reports” and referenced in a Washington Post column.

    Instead of wondering, “What’s wrong with this person, why would they bring this up,” he said, people should wonder about what experiences led someone to behave in that way.

    “There’s basically more assumptions of positive intent to realize not all of us had a perfect background, and some of us ended up with these strange conspiracy theories or negatively tinged thoughts toward other people,” Kashdan said.

    Ultimately, people have more in common than they realize.

    “Most people share the same underlying values, but it manifests differently,” he said.

    His research has found that people tend to be “more kind and open and flexible” than others expect.

    “When you get to the specific issues, you realize this is a good person that I disagree with, as opposed to this is an evil person who has beliefs that are counter to my own,” Kashdan said.

    Of course, tone makes a world of difference during a tense discussion.

    “You could say the exact same thing with an air of wonder and curiosity, or you can say it being closed minded and rigid,” he added.

    When it becomes clear it’s time to tap out of a conversation, he offered advice to exit without harming relationships.

    “You can soften the blow of anything by just kind of putting your hand on someone’s shoulder and saying, ‘You know I love you. You know I care about you. It’s just this topic. This one doesn’t work for us,’” Kashdan said.

    Though considered taboo topics to some, the professor encouraged people to have conversations about religion and politics.

    “One thing that our research often shows is that people want more meaningful, curious conversations than they do small talk,” Kashdan said. “Don’t be afraid of having these conversations, but remember that you care more about the relationships themselves than the content of what you’re talking about.”

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  • How to prep your stomach for a Thanksgiving feast – WTOP News

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    If you’re prone to heartburn and acid reflux, preparing your stomach ahead of Thanksgiving could be your best bet to avoid those symptoms.

    Many Americans will dig into Thanksgiving feasts on Thursday, indulging on rich, hearty dishes to mark the holiday.

    For some, the goal is to devour as big a meal as possible while avoiding discomforts such as heartburn and acid reflux.

    Dr. Joseph Jennings, gastroenterologist and hepatologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, said the best way to avoid those symptoms is to avoid “overindulging.”

    “But that’s not in the spirit of Thanksgiving,” Jennings said.

    With that in mind, he said there are steps you can take to prevent pain or discomfort after feasting.

    Heading into the big day, Jennings said people should be proactive. If you’re prone to heartburn and frequently take antacids, he recommended taking that medication for a few days before the meal.

    Skipping breakfast won’t make room in your stomach for extra food, he said.

    “You actually might be a little bit more prone to discomfort, because your stomach is going to sort of be getting used to the fact that there’s no food in there, small and shrinking up a little bit,” he said. “Then you hit it with something big, and especially something rich and heavy, it might have a hard time with that.”

    Instead, he said to plan out calories for the day and perhaps have a smaller breakfast than usual.

    “I would focus on easy-to-digest foods,” Jennings said. “A Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs and then small servings of fruits are always a good idea.”

    Eating too much fiber the morning of Thanksgiving could make you feel too full to indulge. But he recommended eating fibrous foods in the days leading up to your celebration.

    “The other thing we can do leading up to a big event like this is trying to keep ourselves as regular as possible when it comes to going to the bathroom,” he said. “You don’t need to take laxatives or take any sort of purgatives.”

    Instead, he said to drink plenty of water before and during the meal.

    Jennings also recommended spacing out your feast and taking breaks between appetizers, the main course and dessert.

    “Giving your GI tract more time to do the processing that happens in the stomach and then getting it into the small intestines, creates more room and less discomfort,” Jennings said.

    That pacing goes for alcoholic beverages, too.

    “As we do enjoy some adult beverages on holidays, try to keep that in real moderation, because alcohol in general also is upsetting to the stomach,” Jennings said.

    After the meal has wrapped up, he said to avoid laying down.

    “Falling asleep on the couch watching football after your big meal is as American as apple pie,” he said. “But if you can get up and move around, especially in the hour or two after eating, gravity will help your body digest that food.”

    He said taking a walk after dinner could be a great option.

    “It actually will go a long way in both less heartburn, less reflux in the later evening, and actually even making some more space for some great desserts afterward,” he said.

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  • A large ‘charismatic’ animal is about to be born at DC’s National Zoo — an Asian elephant – WTOP News

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    The Smithsonian National Zoo in D.C. is preparing for the birth of a large “charismatic and charming” animal: an Asian elephant.

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    A baby Asian elephant will be born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo for the first time in 25 years

    The Smithsonian National Zoo in D.C. is preparing for the birth of a large “charismatic and charming” animal: an Asian elephant calf.

    Zoo officials announced Monday morning that an Asian elephant is expected to give birth between mid-January and early March 2026. Elephant pregnancies typically last between 18 and 22 months.

    It would be the first elephant birth at the National Zoo in nearly 25 years and a first-time pregnancy for Nhi Linh, 12-year-old elephant

    Brandie Smith, the zoo’s director, said the birth represents hope for the species’ future. “The first step to saving any species is getting people to care,” Smith said in a news release.

    “As animal ambassadors, elephant calves are as charming and charismatic as they come. I can’t wait for visitors to experience the joy of watching our multigenerational herd socialize, play and learn — reminding us how much we share with these gentle, intelligent animals.”

    The calf’s father is 44-year-old Spike, who was brought to the zoo in 2018 with hopes he would grow the herd.

    Staff are “cautiously optimistic” that Nhi Linh will deliver a healthy calf.

    Matchmakers pair ‘feisty’ Nhi Linh with ‘laid-back’ Spike

    Scientists track elephant lineage in a “studbook” and give breeding recommendations through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

    The National Zoo said factors that go into that recommendation include “the individuals’ genetic relatedness to one another, overall health and temperament.”

    The process maintains genetic diversity of the population of elephants in captivity, the zoo said.

    As far as personality traits go, zoo staff described Nhi Linh as “feisty and rambunctious.”

    “She is very inquisitive and brave when trying or exploring new things,” the zoo said in the news release. “Keepers say she is smitten with Spike, who exudes a laid-back, ‘gentlemanly’ attitude.”

    Their calf will join a herd of six elephants — its parents, grandmother Trong Nhi, 22, Bozie, 51, Swarna, 51, and Maharani, 35.

    Asian elephant Nhi Linh (foreground) is pregnant and expected to give birth in early 2026 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in D.C. Male Spike is the calf’s father.
    (background)

    background

    Zookeepers check on Nhi Linh
    It’s a first-time pregnancy for 12-year-old female elephant, Nhi Linh. She’s expected to give birth sometime between mid-January and early March 2026.
    (Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

    Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

    Zookeepers said Nhi Linh has willingly participated in ultrasounds.
    Zookeepers said Nhi Linh has willingly participated in ultrasounds.
    (Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute)

    Courtesy Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

    Elephant pregnancies come with risk

    Nhi Linh was bred with Spike in April 2024 and a few months later, staff confirmed her pregnancy using a blood test.

    The female elephant willingly participates in ultrasounds to track the fetus’ development. She also takes part in daily strength and flexibility exercises, including one designed to help her nurse the calf after it is born.

    Staff will be tracking her progesterone levels to indicate when she’s ready to give birth.

    As is the case with pregnancies in other species, elephants run the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or another complication.

    Spike has sired three calves at other zoos, but none have survived.

    Around the same time Nhi Linh was bred with Spike, the stud also conceived with Nih Linh’s mom, Trong Nhi. Late last month, she showed signs of discomfort and after testing her hormones through a blood test, zookeepers believe her fetus “may no longer be viable.”

    Trong Nhi is in stable condition and is socializing as normal, zoo staff said.

    “Breeding Asian elephants in human care is worthwhile for many reasons, not the least of which is this species is critically endangered,” said Robbie Clark, elephant manager, in a news release.

    “Our team has been working tirelessly to set Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh up for success, and we were hopeful that both would have healthy calves. While that is not likely in the cards for Trong Nhi, we are excited to see how she steps into her new role as grandmother.

    A rare event at the National Zoo

    The zoo has welcomed only a few baby elephants in its history. The species is endangered, with just 50,000 Asian elephants worldwide.

    Kumari, the first Asian elephant to be born at the National Zoo in 1995, died unexpectedly after 16 months, according to Smithsonian archives.

    Kandula, another elephant born at the zoo in November 2001, became the first captive male of his species to be conceived through artificial insemination. He was moved to the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2015 to breed.

    The zoo plans to give updates throughout Nhi Linh’s pregnancy. It also hopes to raise $23 million in public and corporate donations to expand its elephant conservation program and fund research.

    This is a developing story. Stick with WTOP for the latest.

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  • Where to find free food, deals, specials for federal workers during the shutdown – WTOP News

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    There are businesses providing deals, tickets and even free food to federal workers as they wait for Congress to pass a bill to end the government shutdown.

    We want to know your thoughts on the government shutdown. How are you and your family affected? Share your story — Send us a message or a voice note through the WTOP News app on or . Click the “Feedback” button in the app’s navigation bar.

    The government shutdown is pressing on as Congress has yet to agree on a bill to fund the federal government. In the meantime, federal workers aren’t getting paid.

    There are businesses providing discounts, deals, tickets and even free food to federal workers as they wait for the government to reopen.

    Food

    From big chains to small businesses, a bunch of restaurants are offering deals to federal employees.

    Check in with the restaurants for specific details on how to participate, as many require federal employees to show an ID.

    Here are some of the restaurants with discounts during the shutdown:

    • IKEA College Park and IKEA Woodbridge are offering free breakfast to furloughed government employees and contractors.
    • The José Andrés Group — free dine-in lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday for federal employees at China Chilcano.
    • Airlie — free buffet lunch and non-alcoholic drinks for federal workers on Wednesdays at the hotel. 
    • Nue Vietnamese — extended happy hour until the shutdown ends with $5 off cocktails, $3 off wine by the glass (50% off bottles), $2 off beers and $12 small plates.
    • Trouvaille Brewing Company — first beer for $1 
    • The Fish Market — all day happy hour
    • Nina May — free slice of carrot cake with any food or drink order 
    • Cucina MORINI — $10 primi pastas for federal workers
    • Paisano’s — 30% off all pizzas with the promo code “TOGETHER”
    • Hard Rock Cafe at 999 E Street NW, D.C. — $12 entrée special
    • Taco Bamba — one free taco with the purchase of any taco
    • Compass Coffee — free pastry with any drink order
    • Carmine’s D.C. — all day happy hour for everyone (not just federal workers) and shutdown specials such as “The Essential Worker,” a frozen peach bellini and $5 meatball sliders.
    • Union Pub — $3 select beer or a $7 hot dog and beer combo
    • Barrel — all day ‘unhappy hour’ specials with $6 IPA and Lager; and $10 for an old fashioned, Manhattan or milk punch
    • Thompson Restaurants — 20% off their bill at any Thompson restaurant, such as Big Buns, Makers Union, Matchbox and Wiseguy Pizza

    Museums

    A couple of museums are offering free admission to impacted federal employees.

    • Furloughed federal workers can visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts for free during the shutdown.
    • The Planet Word Museum is offering free walk-up admission to federal employees during the shutdown.

    And the Spy Museum is giving federal workers half off admission during the shutdown (except for over the holiday weekend).

    Entertainment

    George Mason University is giving out free tickets to federal workers and contractors for select performances at its venues. The university hosts shows at the Center for the Arts and Harris Theatre on its Fairfax Campus, as well as the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the Science and Technology Campus in Manassas.

    The qualifying shows include jazz music and an electropop opera called “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812.”

    More information is available on the university’s website.

    Soccer team Loudoun United in Virginia is giving federal employees affected by the shutdown up to four free tickets for its match on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Segra Field while supplies last.

    Those interested must fill out an online form.

    Other

    The Potomac Massage Training Institute in Silver Spring is offering free massages to anyone impacted by government cut backs and shut down.

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  • Help and assistance programs for furloughed federal workers in the DC region – WTOP News

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    These groups are offering help to federal workers, many of whom are furloughed and won’t be paid during the government shutdown.

    We want to know your thoughts on the government shutdown. How are you and your family affected? Share your story — Send us a message or a voice note through the WTOP News app on Apple or Android. Click the “Feedback” button in the app’s navigation bar.

    Some companies and local governments in the D.C. region are offering help to federal workers, many of whom are being furloughed and won’t be paid during the government shutdown.

    Tens of thousands of federal workers are furloughed as President Donald Trump’s administration also threatened mass firings over the shutdown.

    Here are assistance programs and supports for federal workers and others impacted by the shutdown:

    Food

    The Capital Area Food Bank is hanging out free food to federal workers during the shutdown. The offerings include fresh produce and shelf stable items.

    These are the five pickup locations:

    Tuesdays

    • From noon to 2 p.m. No Limits Outreach Ministries, located at 7721 Barlowe Rd, Hyattsville, Maryland 20785

    Wednesday

    • From 10 a.m. to noon, Seneca Creek Community Church at 13 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878

    Friday

    • From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. United Community, located at 7511 Fordson Rd, Alexandria, Virginia 22306
    • From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Urban Outreach, located at 5343 C St SE, D.C. 20019

    Saturday

    • From 1 to 2:30 p.m. LindaBen Foundation, located at 10739 Tucker St, Beltsville, Maryland 20705

    Workers have to show a government ID at the food bank’s popups. WTOP has more information about the plans here.

    World Central Kitchen is serving free meals to federal workers on their families at pop-ups on weekdays. For details on where to find meals, head to the nonprofit’s website.

    The Archbishop of Baltimore said the church is providing help to those impacted by the government shutdown through meals, housing and other support. According to a news release from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, some of the help available in Maryland includes:

    • Catholic Charities of Baltimore — food assistance, emergency housing, family services and counseling support. For details, visit Catholic Charities of Baltimore Serving Our Communities  or call 410-600-2000.
    • The St. Vincent de Paul Society — offers offers breakfast and hot lunch Monday through Friday. There’s also direct assistance for rent, utilities and daily essentials available.  For more information, visit St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore or call 410-662-0500.
    • Anyone who needs groceries or a meal can visit parish food pantries and access community outreach and assistance programs. To find a parish near you, visit the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s website.

    Utilities

    Pepco and Baltimore Gas and Electric:

    • Flexible payment options: Both companies offer payment arrangements up to 12 months and budget billing plans, according to a news release.
    • Late payment charge waivers: Affected customers can get a 30-day waiver on late payment charges in increments.
    • Proactive resources: Pepco has an Assistance Finder tool and Single Stop, which helps customers find programs they may qualify for. BGE has a self-service Assistance Finder.

    Pepco and BGE said customers won’t be asked to provide a government ID to get access to support.

    Details from BGE can be found here. Details from Pepco can be found here.

    WSSC Water:

    • Maryland’s largest water utility will suspend service turnoffs and waive late fees for customers directly impacted by the government shutdown, according to a news release.
    • Lyn Riggins, a WSSC spokesperson, told WTOP that customers of the water utility company are “not going to have to worry about a water service turn off,” if they can’t pay their bills during the shutdown.
    • Riggins said the water utility’s Get Current program, which offers forgiveness for a portion of a customer’s bill, and which was to have wrapped up at the end of October, is being extended by a month.

    Washington Gas:

    • The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, provides grants to help families pay for their gas bills. The program application reopened Wednesday through the Department of Energy and Environment.

    Services

    Koons Motors is offering free oil change and service to furloughed employees who own a Ford, Lincoln or Mazda.

    Finances

    Credit unions are offering resources to assist federal workers and military families affected by the government shutdown

    Michele Evermore, senior fellow at the National Academy of Social Insurance, advises federal employees to check with their banks if they need help in paying their bills, making credit card payments or need a loan.

    “I just signed into the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union and they have available a $5,000 no-interest loan for people who are furloughed,” she said,

    Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO and board president at the Blue Star Families, told WTOP that military credit unions are offering similar breaks.

    “And it’s important to know that their banks will work with them,” she said.

    Credit unions and relief:

    • Navy Federal Credit Union is offering eligible members that may be impacted by paycheck disruptions during the shutdown maximum $6,000 loans based on how much the last eligible direct deposit was.
    • PenFed Credit Union is offering paycheck protection loans, payment skips and assistance for home loans.
    • USAA is helping members with 0% interest loans up to $6,000, and special payment arrangements for auto and property insurance premiums as well as life and health insurance.
    • First Command is offering a 0% annual percentage rate pay advance loan with no fees or interest charges.

    Virginia

    Available support includes: 

    • Federal employees and contractors can’t be evicted or foreclosed on during a federal government shutdown, under state law.

    Fairfax County:

    • In response to the shutdown, the country has extended the deadline for residents to pay their personal property tax, oftentimes referred to as a car tax. Residents have until Nov. 5 to pay without penalties.

    Alexandria:

    • The city of Alexandria is offering short-term relief resources to residents and businesses, according to a news release from the city.
    • In terms of enforcement relief, there are extended payment plans available to people directly impacted by the shutdown, though penalties and interest will accrue.

    Maryland

    Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said federal workers can ride the MARC train and Commuter Bus for free during the government shutdown. To ride for free, workers need to show a federal ID badge.

    Available support includes: 

    • Furloughed federal employees can apply for unemployment insurance benefits. They would have to pay back those benefits after the shutdown ends and they receive retroactive pay.
    • “Excepted,” or essential, employees, who are required to continue working during the shutdown without receiving a paycheck, are eligible to apply for the Maryland Department of Labor’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program. The program offers a one-time, no-interest loan of $700 to help workers meet expenses such as rent and groceries. The loan must be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends.
    • Furloughed federal employees who are at risk of eviction or foreclosure can ask the court for a temporary pause. Unlike in Virginia, those protections don’t apply to contractors.
    • The state has protections in place to prevent electric and gas companies from shutting off service to furloughed employees who are missing bills. Those protections kick in on the eighth day of a government shutdown.
    • Should the shutdown continue, the Federal Shutdown Loan Program will open on Oct. 6. The program offers a $700 no-interest loan to impacted employees, which must be paid back 45 days after the shutdown ends.

    Montgomery County:

    Mental health

    The Archdiocese of Baltimore is offering help to Marylanders looking for mental health or counseling services. Those services are provided through Catholic Charities of Baltimore and other partners of the diocese. The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s website has details on how to get help.

    WTOP’s Will Vitka, Ciara Wells and Kate Ryan contributed to this report.

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  • Maryland sues Trump administration after ditching plans to move FBI HQ to Greenbelt – WTOP News

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    State officials are planning to sue the Trump administration after it scrapped plans to move the FBI’s headquarters to Greenbelt, Maryland, and opted instead to keep the bureau in downtown D.C.

    

    Maryland is preparing for a courtroom fight against President Donald Trump’s administration over the FBI’s future home.

    The state’s Attorney General Anthony Brown announced the suit Thursday against the Trump administration after it scrapped plans to move the bureau’s headquarters to Greenbelt, Maryland, and opted instead to keep it in Downtown D.C.

    Maryland leaders have been crying foul since the Trump administration formally announced its plan in July to move the FBI across the street to the Ronald Reagan Building, ignoring the site selection process of Congress and the General Services Administration, and the fact that Congress had already appropriated funds toward the Greenbelt relocation.

    “The Trump administration is attempting to unlawfully reprogram and transfer over $1 billion in funds that Congress designated specifically for the Greenbelt project,” Brown said during a news conference Thursday.

    In 2022, Congress directed the GSA to choose between Greenbelt and Landover in Maryland, and Springfield, Virginia. The GSA selected Greenbelt in November 2023. In addition to the money Congress set aside, the state of Maryland and Prince George’s County both pledged a combined $350 million to support the project, Brown said.

    “They violated explicit congressional directives that limited site selection to the three authorized locations. They ignored federal requirements to consult with state and local government, and they acted arbitrarily and capriciously by abandoning years of careful planning without explanation or justification.”

    In his lawsuit, Brown is asking the court to stop what he called the unlawful selection of the Reagan Building, and to prevent Congress from diverting appropriated funds.

    “Maryland, we played by the rules. We won the project fairly. And we will not let this administration steal jobs and opportunities from Prince George’s County and Maryland.”

    Just last week, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works approved the plan to move the FBI to the Reagan Building. The committee’s plans have not gotten full congressional approval yet.

    The Trump administration said in July moving the FBI to the Reagan Building, instead of constructing a new facility in Greenbelt, would save taxpayers money.

    In response to a WTOP request for comment on the lawsuit, the GSA said it does not comment on ongoing litigation.

    Maryland and Prince George’s County leaders said the federal government is ignoring security concerns and needs of the nation’s primary federal law enforcement agency — needs the Reagan Building doesn’t meet that the new Greenbelt site would.

    “The problem with the current FBI building is that it’s too old, too small, and too exposed. So what does the President do? He moves the FBI to another building that is too old, too small, and too exposed,” Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said in a statement. “Trump’s actions aren’t just illegal, they lack common sense. And his foolishness will put law enforcement in jeopardy.”

    In a statement last week, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, of Maryland, also expressed concerns about moving ahead with the proposal with “no completed security plan, and an incomplete cost assessment.”

    Brown’s lawsuit also alleges the Trump administration did not consult Maryland at all in its decision, which Brown’s suit says harms Maryland by denying it and Prince George’s County significant economic benefits, jobs and development opportunities.

    The Baltimore Sun first reported state officials’ plan to sue the Trump administration.

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  • Spanberger win leads Democratic sweep of statewide races in Virginia – WTOP News

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    Election Day has brought two major victories for Democrats in Virginia’s statewide races.

    Stay with WTOP on air, online and on our news app for team coverage, live results and analyses of election night in Virginia. Listen live.

    Abigail Spanberger has won a historic election to become Virginia’s first female governor and led a Democratic sweep of statewide races in an pivotal election ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

    Down ballot, Democrat Jay Jones won the attorney general race and Democratic state Sen. Ghazala Hashmi won the lieutenant governor race.

    The candidates’ wins dashed Republican hopes of maintaining power in all three top offices, currently led by Gov. Glenn Youngkin alongside Attorney General Jason Miyares and Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, who both lost their campaigns.

    More Election News

    Spanberger, a former congresswoman, won 57.5% of the vote and Earle-Sears fell behind with 42.3%, according to The Associated Press with 97% of votes counted as of 12:50 a.m.

    In the lieutenant governor race, Hashmi walked away with 55.6% of the vote, while Republican radio host John Reid fell behind with 44.1%, The Associated Press reported at 12:55 a.m. with 97% of votes counted. Hashmi will succeed Earle-Sears as the new lieutenant governor.

    Jones’ victory squashed Miyares’ bid for a second term as Virginia’s top prosecutor.

    The Democratic challenger prevailed over the incumbent despite controversy surrounding resurfaced text messages referencing political violence. Jones pulled ahead winning 53.1% of the vote while Miyares earned 46.5%, The Associated Press reported at 12:55 a.m. with 97% of votes counted.

    The results also mark a major victory for Democrats in an election that both parties have viewed as a bellwether for the midterm elections in 2026.

    Virginia’s election is also treated by analysts as a measure of voter attitudes amid a lengthy government shutdown during President Donald Trump’s second term in office.

    Outside the statewide races, all 100 seats in Virginia’s House of Delegates were up for grabs Tuesday. Democrats are projected to maintain their majority in the lower chamber.

    A moderate approach wins a high-stakes governor’s race

    The governor’s race was called in favor of Spanberger about one hour after polls closed.

    Spanberger delivered a victory speech in Richmond on Tuesday night, touching on topics such as education, abortion rights and the federal workforce.

    “We sent a message to every corner of the commonwealth, a message to our neighbors and our fellow Americans across the country,” Spanberger told a crowd of supporters. “We sent a message to the whole world that in 2025, Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship. We chose our commonwealth over chaos.”

    Supporters at the celebration in the state’s capital shared their excitement with WTOP’s Scott Gelman.

    “This is history, the first woman governor in Virginia, and the right person to do the job,” said Monica Lucus, of Richmond. “I think it’s time for a change, and this is a burst of energy that the country needs, not just Virginia but the country.”

    After losing the governor’s race, Earle-Sears said she left a voicemail for Spanberger to wish her success.

    “I asked her to support policies that will unite us, that will not divide us, that will strengthen our families and keep us safe, and that if I can ever be of help doing that, I’m here,” Earle-Sears said at her campaign headquarters in Stafford County.

    Surveys showed Spanberger carried a commanding lead over Earle-Sears in the weeks leading up to Election Day.

    Spanberger had also far outraised her Republican opponent, bringing in more than $65 million compared to Earle-Sears’ $35 million, according to recent campaign finance reports shared by the Virginia Public Access Project.

    Though the election guaranteed to name the state’s first woman as governor, neither candidate made the race’s historic nature a focal point of their campaigns, instead focusing on topics such as the economy.

    Spanberger, a former CIA case officer and member of Congress, had said the election is about the struggles of everyday voters, including those impacted by cuts to the federal workforce or tariffs. She took a more moderate approach and avoided talking about Trump.

    Earle-Sears drew attention to transgender students in public schools and reducing the cost of living. Before taking office as lieutenant governor, Earle-Sears served in the U.S. Marine Corps and in the Virginia House of Delegates during the early 2000s.

    Attorney general race stirs up old texts

    Jones thanked Miyares for his service as attorney general and praised his supporters.

    “To the folks who stood by us every single step of the way, labor. We love you,” Jones said during a speech in Richmond. “The weight of that trust is not lost on me at all, nor is the history that led us to this moment right here. My ancestors were slaves. My grandfather was a civil rights pioneer who braved Jim Crow. My father, my mother, my uncles, my aunts endured segregation all so that I could stand here before you today.”

    In the final weeks before Election Day, the attorney general race spotlighted old text messages sent by Jones that showed he fantasized about political violence toward a former colleague.

    Jones has apologized for those texts, but they sparked pushback from the GOP nationwide, and Republicans called for the Democratic nominee to drop out of the race.

    During the candidates’ debate, Jones attempted to refocus the race on Trump and said Miyares couldn’t push back on overreach from the White House.

    Miyares had argued that Jones is unqualified and pressed him on the text messages.

    But during a speech Tuesday night, he wished Jones the best and reflected on his time as attorney general.

    “The attorney general’s office we inherited was weak and a soft office focused more on politics, but we made it focused on where the victims should always come first, where crime fighting was our number one priority, and public safety was the objective,” Miyares said of his time in office.

    Lieutenant governor’s race makes history

    Hashmi will take over the lieutenant governor position from Earle-Sears, who opted against running for reelection and instead campaigned for governor.

    Hashmi is the first Indian American to win statewide office in Virginia. She will also be the country’s first Muslim woman in statewide office.

    “I know that many of us feel as though the nation is in the midst of challenges that are much deeper and more intense than those we have faced before, and that it will take us generations to repair,” Hashmi told a crowd in Richmond. “But let us not forget that the challenges we endure today are not entirely new, and they can be navigated.”

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    Voters cast ballots in high-stakes election in Virginia

    Before being elected to the Virginia General Assembly, Hashmi was an academic administrator. She has pushed for issues such as reproductive health care, gun violence protection and the economy.

    Polls had leaned in favor of Hashmi, with a slight lead of around two points over Reid in recent weeks. Both candidates are based out of the Richmond area.

    Reid has also spotlighted the economy in his campaign, along with law enforcement, parental rights and immigration enforcement.

    Early in his career, Reid worked as an intern for President Ronald Reagan. He has served as chief communications officer for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, a veterans organization, according to his website.

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  • What Baltimore’s new Key Bridge will look like – WTOP News

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    New design renderings revealed Thursday show what the rebuilt Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, will look like once completed.

    A recent rendering of the redesigned Key Bridge.
    (Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority)

    Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority

    A rendering of what the redesigned Key Bridge will look like once its completed.
    A rendering of what the redesigned Key Bridge will look like once its completed in 2028.
    (Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority)

    Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority

    a rendering of the key bridge redesign
    The redesigned cable-stayed crossing will feature two 12-foot lanes in each direction and stretch more than two miles across the Patapsco River, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.
    (Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority)

    Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority

    key bridge redesign
    The new bridge will have a higher clearance and taller structural framework than the original.
    (Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority)

    Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority

    key bridge redesign
    The redesign will rise 230 feet above the water, with twin towers reaching more than 600 feet high, according to MTA.
    (Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority)

    Courtesy Maryland Transportation Authority

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    What Baltimore’s new Key Bridge could look like

    New design renderings revealed Thursday show what the rebuilt Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, will look like once completed in the fall of 2028.

    The yearslong project will replace the Key Bridge, which collapsed after being struck by a container ship in March 2024, killing six construction workers.

    The redesigned cable-stayed crossing will feature two 12-foot lanes in each direction and stretch more than two miles across the Patapsco River, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

    The new bridge will have a higher clearance and taller structural framework than the original.

    The redesign will rise 230 feet above the water, with twin towers reaching more than 600 feet high, according to MTA. The original bridge had an 185-foot clearance and the main truss, which provides structural support, was 358 feet tall.

    The project is expected to cost $2 billion and the new bridge is expected to expected to last a century.

    Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board will hold a hearing Nov. 18 in D.C. to discuss its marine investigation report tied to the collapse of the original bridge.

    WTOP’s Jessica Kronzer contributed to this report.

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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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  • Man sentenced to life without parole in murder of Greenbelt teacher – WTOP News

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    A man has been sentenced to life without parole Friday in the killing a teacher from Greenbelt, Maryland, who went missing in July 2023.

    Police in Greenbelt, Maryland, released these photos of Mariame Toure Sylla. (Courtesy Greenbelt police)

    A man was sentenced Friday to life without parole in the killing of a teacher from Greenbelt, Maryland, who went missing in July 2023.

    Harold Landon III was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Mariame Toure Sylla, 59.

    In June, Landon was found guilty in her death after prosecutors shared testimony that included graphic photos of Sylla’s remains, which were decapitated at the collar, with extremities amputated at both knees and shoulders.

    Sylla was last seen going for one of her regular walks through Schrom Hills Park on July 29, 2023. The Greenbelt community came together to search for the beloved third grade teacher, holding a vigil and passing out flyers to spread the word.

    The case shifted to a murder investigation on Aug. 1, 2023, when police were tipped off about human remains near a pond in Clinton.

    Traces of Sylla’s blood were consistent with those found on the remains.

    Investigators have said there’s no evidence Landon and Sylla had known each other.

    The teacher was known as “Madame Sylla” by her students at the Dora Kennedy French Immersion School.

    This story is developing. Stick with WTOP for the latest.

    WTOP’s John Domen and Gaby Arancibia contributed to this report.

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  • At least 7 injured in scrap metal pile fire; shutting down Route 1 in Fairfax Co. – WTOP News

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    Several people were hurt after a large scrap metal debris pile caught fire in Lorton, Virginia, leading police to shut down Route 1 on Tuesday afternoon, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

    Listen to WTOP Traffic on the 8s for the latest impact on the roadway. 

    Several people were hurt after a large scrap metal debris pile caught fire in Lorton, Virginia, leading police to shut down Route 1 on Tuesday afternoon, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

    Firefighters have extinguished the fire at a scrap metal facility in the 9900 block of Richmond Highway, according to the department, after “delayering” and cooling all the material in the pile. Hazmat crews are monitoring the air near the industrial area.

    A pile of scrap metal caught fire in Lorton, Virginia, on Oct. 14, 2025.
    (Courtesy Fairfax County Fire and Rescue )

    Courtesy Fairfax County Fire and Rescue

    smoke route 1
    Smoke is seen from Route 1 in Fairfax County during a fire at a scrap metal facility.
    (Courtesy Sallie Twentyman )

    Courtesy Sallie Twentyman 

    A pile of recycling caught fire
    smoke route 1

    “Out of an abundance of caution, residents within a one-mile radius are advised to shelter in place,” the fire department wrote in a post on X. That shelter in place will remain in effect until about 7:30 p.m., fire officials said.

    When firefighters first got to the scene at around 1 p.m., they encountered a worker at the site who was trapped in a crane elevated about 40 feet in the air.

    “Our initial units were able to climb that tower, access the person, and, utilizing some of our aerial devices, effect a rescue, removing that individual from the crane,” Deputy Chief Greg Hunter said.

    That worker was airlifted to the hospital, where he’s receiving treatment for critical injuries, Hunter said.

    At least six other people were injured, including at least one firefighter. The firefighter who was hurt was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition, Hunter said. That firefighter is associated with the Fort Belvoir Fire Department.

    According to Hunter, high winds were pushing the smoke down and in several different directions, exposing many people on the site to the dense, toxic fumes.

    Hunter said firefighters were able to use foam to contain the blaze, and, as of 5 p.m., were “delayering” the pile of scrap metal and cooling the hot materials with water. That process was complete before 6:30 p.m.

    Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

    Drivers could see heavy smoke from Route 1; WTOP Traffic reporter Dave Dildine said the road was closed in both directions near Giles Run Road as firefighters worked to control the fire.

    Below is the area where it happened.

    WTOP’s Scott Gelman contributed to this report. 

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  • Help and assistance programs for furloughed federal workers in the DC region – WTOP News

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    These groups are offering help to federal workers, many of whom are furloughed and won’t be paid during the government shutdown.

    We want to know your thoughts on the government shutdown. How are you and your family affected? Share your story — Send us a message or a voice note through the WTOP News app on Apple or Android. Click the “Feedback” button in the app’s navigation bar.

    Some companies and local governments in the D.C. region are offering help to federal workers, many of whom are being furloughed and won’t be paid during the government shutdown.

    Tens of thousands of federal workers are expected to be furloughed as President Donald Trump’s administration also threatened mass firings over the shutdown.

    Here are assistance programs and supports for federal workers and others impacted by the shutdown:

    Utilities

    Pepco and Baltimore Gas and Electric: 

    • Flexible payment options: Both companies offer payment arrangements up to 12 months and budget billing plans, according to a news release.
    • Late payment charge waivers: Affected customers can get a 30-day waiver on late payment charges in increments.
    • Proactive resources: Pepco has an Assistance Finder tool and Single Stop, which helps customers find programs they may qualify for. BGE has a self-service Assistance Finder.

    Pepco and BGE said customers won’t be asked to provide a government ID to get access to support.

    Details from BGE can be found here. Details from Pepco can be found here.

    Washington Gas:

    • The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, provides grants to help families pay for their gas bills. The program application reopened Wednesday through the Department of Energy and Environment.

    Virginia

    Available support includes: 

    • Federal employees and contractors can’t be evicted or foreclosed on during a federal government shutdown, under state law.

    Alexandria:

    • The city of Alexandria is offering short-term relief resources to residents and businesses, according to a news release from the city.
    • In terms of enforcement relief, there are extended payment plans available to people directly impacted by the shutdown, though penalties and interest will accrue.

    Maryland

    Available support includes: 

    • Furloughed federal employees can apply for unemployment insurance benefits. They would have to pay back those benefits after the shutdown ends and they receive retroactive pay.
    • Furloughed federal employees who are at risk of eviction or foreclosure can ask the court for a temporary pause. Unlike in Virginia, those protections don’t apply to contractors.
    • The state has protections in place to prevent electric and gas companies from shutting off service to furloughed employees who are missing bills. Those protections kick in on the eighth day of a government shutdown.
    • Should the shutdown continue, the Federal Shutdown Loan Program will open on Oct. 6. The program offers a $700 no-interest loan to impacted employees, which must be paid back 45 days after the shutdown ends.

    WSSC Water:

    • Maryland’s largest water utility will suspend service turnoffs and waive late fees for customers directly impacted by the government shutdown, according to a news release.
    • Lyn Riggins, a WSSC spokesperson, told WTOP that customers of the water utility company are “not going to have to worry about a water service turn off,” if they can’t pay their bills during the shutdown.
    • Riggins said the water utility’s Get Current program, which offers forgiveness for a portion of a customer’s bill, and which was to have wrapped up at the end of October, is being extended by a month.

    WTOP’s Will Vitka contributed to this report.

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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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  • Deals, specials for federal workers during the shutdown – WTOP News

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    The government shutdown is here and it has federal workers scrambling. There are a few silver linings, however. And they come in the form of discounts, free tickets and financial support as uncertainty hangs heavy across the nation.

    We want to know your thoughts on the government shutdown. How are you and your family affected? Share your story — Send us a message or a voice note through the WTOP News app on or . Click the “Feedback” button in the app’s navigation bar.

    The government shutdown is here and it has federal workers scrambling.

    There are a few silver linings, however. And they come in the form of discounts, free tickets and financial support as uncertainty hangs heavy across the nation.

    Food

    From big chains to small businesses, a bunch of restaurants are offering deals to federal employees.

    Here are some of the restaurants with discounts:

    • Hard Rock Cafe at 999 E Street NW, D.C. — $12 entrée special
    • Taco Bamba — one free taco with the purchase of any taco
    • Compass Coffee — free pastry with any drink order
    • Barrel — all day ‘unhappy hour’ specials

    Check in with the restaurants for specific details on how to participate, as many require federal employees to show an ID.

    Museums

    A couple of museums are offering free admission to impacted federal employees.

    • Furloughed federal workers can visit the National Museum of Women in the Arts for free during the shutdown.
    • The Planet Word Museum is offering free walk-up admission to federal employees during the shutdown.

    Washington Spirit

    The Washington Spirit offered discounted tickets to impacted federal workers to its Fan Appreciation Match on Sunday, Oct. 5.

    The team is selling $10 tickets for federal employees. Earlier, it offered free tickets to the first 200 federal employees who signed up for a voucher, but has since run out of free tickets.

    More details are online.

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  • These exhibits spotlight 600 female artists in DC area – WTOP News

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    Lenny Campello has spent the last few years curating the art project Women Artists of the DMV, which has grown to 18 exhibits that include 600 artists.

    An art curator and blogger is on a mission to correct what he’s perceived as a lack of representation of female artists from the D.C. area in local galleries.

    Florencio “Lenny” Campello has spent the last few years curating a series of exhibits that feature artwork created by local women. His project, Women Artists of the DMV, has grown to 18 exhibits that include 600 artists.

    The heart of the project is at American University’s Katzen Arts Center, where 63 pieces are on display.

    A painting by Teresa Oaxaca is seen in American University’s Katzen Arts Center, where 63 pieces are on display as part of the Women Artists of the DMV project.
    (WTOP/Jessica Kronzer)

    WTOP/Jessica Kronzer

    artwork hangs in a gallery
    An oil painting by Sharon Moody is seen in the gallery at American University.
    (WTOP/Jessica Kronzer)

    WTOP/Jessica Kronzer

    artwork hangs in a gallery
    A favorite by guests has been a portrait of a young girl, titled “Olivia,” by Wendy Jones Donahoe.
    (WTOP/Jessica Kronzer)

    WTOP/Jessica Kronzer

    artwork hangs in a gallery
    An oil painting by Judith Peck, called “Coastal Communities,” hangs in the gallery at American University.
    (WTOP/Jessica Kronzer)

    WTOP/Jessica Kronzer

    “This isn’t even the largest one,” he said. “Some of these venues have over 100 artists in them.”

    Campello hand selected each piece. Walking through the Women Artists of the DMV exhibition on American University on Wednesday, Campello laid out the detailed history of the artwork and the women behind it.

    Many of the artists, he told WTOP, follow a similar pattern of cranking out work followed by a gap — while raising children — before returning to their creative outlet.

    While it’s widely accepted that female artists are underrepresented in art galleries and museums, Campello said the issue doesn’t just have to do with their gender.

    From his perspective, artists from the D.C. region are generally underrepresented in professional galleries.

    How the survey developed into 18 galleries

    Two years ago, Campello announced his plans for a survey of female artists at American University on his blog. The idea caught on with local galleries who reached out to him with the hope of joining.

    He received nearly 4,000 inquires from artists in the D.C. region.

    “That goes to show you the amount of women in this area that consider themselves artists,” Campello said.

    Over the next couple months, galleries around the D.C. region are taking part in the exhibition. Some of the venues include the Strathmore Galleries in Bethesda, Maryland, which will open its exhibit Oct. 4, and the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel. 

    “I challenge anyone to go to one show and not want to go see all the other ones,” he said.

    Campello breaks down his exhibition into a three-part pyramid. At the top is well known artists; below that is artists who are well established but not quite as acclaimed. The bottom, and largest, tier of the gallery is new artists.

    “The real powerful part is the base of the pyramid, where I try to have as many brand new artists who have never been in a museum,” Campello said.

    What’s on display

    One of Campello’s favorite pieces in the exhibit at the Katzen is by Teresa Oaxaca.

    “It is a super busy painting, which is all anchored, if you know art history, on a tiny little corner of the painting,” Campello said.

    Oaxaca even painted the frame to match the vibrant piece. It depicts a scene within a famous renaissance painting, The Feast of the Gods.

    Another standout is an oil painting by Sharon Moody that truly looks like a comic book.

    “She focuses almost strictly on vintage comic books, and the way that she can depict each paper is beyond belief. It’s incredible,” Campello said.

    A favorite by guests has been a portrait of a young girl, titled “Olivia,” by Wendy Jones Donahoe, who drew a child who was friends with her daughter.

    “It has all the power of a real good portrait artist, which is not just to capture the likeness of the subject — which she does incredibly well — but also, even more important, a psychological signature of that person,” Campello said.

    Since the gallery’s opening a few weeks ago, the artwork has resonated with visitors, including Grace Ashford, a sophomore at American University who works at the Katzen museum.

    “I also love the versatility of all the artworks in here and the way that it is a lot of human beings being represented,” Ashford said. “I feel like it ties into aspects of femininity and humanity and seeing people as they are.”

    Her favorite piece is an oil painting by Judith Peck called “Coastal Communities.” Ashford notes the artist’s use of color with yellow, pink, black and blue hints throughout the depiction.

    “It really draws you in, and it almost portrays her essence, as well as just her physical representation, it’s also representing the complexity of her,” Ashford said.

    The exhibits wrap up on different dates; the one at American University is expected to end Dec. 7. But Campello hopes to keep his project going beyond the closure.

    For a full list of the venues participating, head to Women Artists of the DMV’s website.

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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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  • Cold-case killer sentenced to 22 years in prison for 2001 murder of Montgomery Co. mother – WTOP News

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    Eugene Gligor will serve 22 years in prison for the cold-case killing of a Montgomery County, Maryland, mother.

    Leslie Preer, 50, was found dead inside her Chevy Chase home in 2001. (Courtesy Montgomery County police)

    It took investigators two decades to solve the cold-case murder of a mother attacked inside her Montgomery County, Maryland, home in May 2001.

    Family members of the murder victim, Leslie Preer, shouted, “Yes,” inside the courtroom Thursday as the 30-year sentence was handed down.

    A judge sentenced now 45-year-old Eugene Gligor to 30 years in prison with all but 22 suspended. He will serve five years of supervised probation after his release from prison.

    The sentence closes out a cold case that went unsolved for 23 years until forensic genetic genealogy testing linked Gligor to the crime scene inside the Chevy Chase house where the Preers lived.

    Killer says, ‘Leslie always was very kind to me’

    Gligor had dated Preer’s daughter Lauren when she was a teenager. The two broke up years before the homicide.

    A total of seven family members, including Lauren, read victim impact statements during Thursday’s hearing.

    Gligor apologized and took responsibility for the murder, claiming he had been drinking alcohol and using cocaine at the time.

    “Leslie always was very kind to me,” Gligor told the courtroom. 

    An autopsy later found that Leslie been strangled and her head was “battered onto the foyer floor.” Graphic photos shown in court during the sentencing hearing showed the bloody scene and pointed to signs of a struggle.

    Investigators reexamined the cold case in 2024 using DNA samples found at the family’s home. That led police to identify Gligor as a potential suspect — and DNA collected from a water bottle he threw away helped confirm he was at the crime scene.

    One week later, he was taken into custody. Gligor was initially charged with first-degree murder and faced the potential of life in prison.

    But prosecutors later said there was no evidence to suggest the homicide was premeditated, which would be required for a first-degree murder conviction.

    Gligor pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in May.

    The Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office had asked for a 30-year sentence, which is above the sentencing guidelines of 10 to 18 years for second-degree murder.

    WTOP’s Dan Ronan contributed to this report. 

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