WTOP News

10/15/2025

“A lot of the employees are young,” one employee said, before casting an early ballot at the Fairfax County Government Center last week. “They can’t pay rent if they don’t get one paycheck. They just don’t have that much money in savings; they’re at the beginning of their careers."

Young federal government employees who are just starting their careers are concerned about their ability to pay for necessities such as rent if they miss a paycheck because of the government shutdown, a furloughed worker told WTOP.

10/15/2025

Taylor said the school system’s “true needs” would require a $5.2 billion investment.

Montgomery County Public Schools faces soaring construction costs, prompting a $2.7 billion capital budget proposal from Superintendent Thomas Taylor to maintain and replace aging school buildings across the district.

10/14/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Sentence in for former FBI agent convicted of r**e in tattoo parlors he operated in Maryland.

A former FBI agent will be sentenced in Montgomery County, Maryland, after being convicted of ra**ng three women in tattoo parlors he operated.

10/14/2025

LOCAL ALERT: As many as 100,000 Medicare recipients in Maryland may need to find a new health care plan by the end of the year or risk losing coverage. Here's why.

Thousands of Maryland seniors expected to receive notice this month that their supplemental Medicare plans will no longer be available next year.

10/14/2025

SHUTDOWN UPDATE: Here are the latest deals and specials for federal workers during the shutdown, including a free lunch at four of Chef Jose Andres' D.C. restaurants.

The government shutdown is here and it has federal workers scrambling. There are a few silver linings, however.

10/14/2025

TRAFFIC ALERT: Route 1 is closed in both directions in Lorton as Fairfax County firefighters battle a recycling pile blaze that injured several. This story is developing.

At least five people are injured after a recycling pile caught fire Tuesday in Lorton, Virginia, leading firefighters to rescue a person who was trapped in a crane, officials said.

10/14/2025

Starting Tuesday, D.C. residents will finally be able to get marriage licenses in the District for the first time since the federal government shutdown.

10/14/2025

The Supreme Court rejected an appeal from Alex Jones and left in place the $1.4 billion judgment against him over his description of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting as a hoax staged by crisis actors.

The Supreme Court rejected an appeal from conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and left in place the $1.4 billion judgment against him over his description of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting as a hoax staged by crisis actors.

10/14/2025

ON THE MOVE: The D.C. region is aging, and that shift could reshape its workforce. In part two of a new series exploring population trends across the area, WTOP reports how an older population may pose challenges for companies trying to recruit top talent.

The D.C. region is aging, a shift that experts say is the result of a declining birth rate, expensive housing and flexibility that comes with remote work opportunities.

10/13/2025

An anti-Trump group that maintained its presence outside D.C.'s Union Station since May 1 is back on the grounds after being removed from the area two weeks ago.

An anti-Trump encampment has returned to Columbus Circle outside Union Station after being removed two weeks ago when its permit was unexpectedly revoked.

10/13/2025

A new Northern Virginia high school set to welcome students this week will help them catch up or remain on track in class while they’re recovering from substance use disorders.

RISE Academy in Loudoun County welcomes students this week and will help them catch up or remain on track while they’re recovering from substance use disorders.

10/13/2025

COMET WATCH: Clouds across the D.C. region could dampen chances to see this comet tonight, but there's more chances to gaze at C/2025 A6 Lemmon. Here's how.

Comet C/2025 A6 Lemmon is getting brighter and whether you have a telescope, binoculars or just your eyes, here’s how you can catch a glimpse.