Alarming levels of PFAS have been found in food packaging at a large number of popular fast-food chains. These dangerous chemicals are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment. They are used to prevent grease and water from soaking through food wrappers and beverage cups.
Coast Guard has new plan to move cargo ship stuck in Chesapeake Bay
The Coast Guard has announced a new plan to try to move a cargo ship that has been stuck in the Chesapeake Bay since March 13. But the ship has increased tourism to a nearby local park in Pasadena.
Police officers issue vouchers instead of tickets
Police in College Park want to make the roads safer for drivers and pedestrians. Drivers who have broken headlights can get a free repair voucher instead of a ticket. The goal is to reduce the amount of broken lights on the road and keep pedestrians safe.
Baltimore to pay millions to businesses damaged during Freddie Gray unrest
The city of Baltimore will pay millions to settle a federal lawsuit with dozens of businesses that were damaged after the death of Freddie Gray in 2015.
Maryland installs more litter traps to protect water and sewer systems
Trash in waterways is hazardous for people, wildlife and the environment. Montgomery County releases its first litter trap in the Lockridge Drive Tributary adding on to the other seven traps in the Anacostia watershed. The traps will capture trash from going into the Chesapeake Bay and help mitigate the environmental impact.
A surge in BA.2 variant cases prompts officials to reinstate mask mandates
The new BA.2 variant is forcing several colleges in the DMV and one major U.S. city to reinstate masking requirements. This leaves Americans wondering if it is safe to begin making the transition to what many hope would be more “normal” lives.
DC native uses boxing to teach life skills
Donte Brown has started an outreach program in his community to help people develop life skills. He does this by teaching them boxing skills. Participants say the program has helped them grow in ways they never imagined.
Local refugees organize to help new refugees settle in the DMV
Local refugees have come together to complete outreach work that will enable refugee communities to succeed in America. This includes vaccine clinics, translation assistance and the provision of mental health resources.
Lawmakers and advocates see new tool against hate crimes as lynching becomes federal crime
Legislation to make lynching a federal hate crime was introduced and failed over 200 times in Congress, the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism reported in November.
In Ukraine conflict, Syrians and Syrian-Americans witness familiar Russian brutality
As Ukraine defends itself against Russian forces, it is getting unexpected help from Syrian and Syrian-American doctors, lawyers and activists who have seen first-hand the brutality inflicted by Russian ground and air forces supporting Bashar al Assad’s regime for the…