Virginia's arena deal for Capitals and Wizards remains a 'non-starter' - Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | March 20, 2024 [Web version](   [Only on WTOP: Va. state senator who's blocked Alexandria arena plan doubtful compromise can be reached]( "It was a bridge too far for me." Sen. Louise Lucas, who's led opposition to bringing a sports arena to Alexandria, shared her thoughts on the deal, the state's budget and more with WTOP. [READ MORE](   [Despite late rally, Howard falls to Wagner 71-68 in First Four]( Howard trailed by 17 points in the second half but went on a late 14-2 run, closing within 69-68 on Bryce Harris' layup with 18 seconds left. However, the Bison attempted three 3-pointers in the last 6 seconds but missed them all. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [AI/ML systems in the IC | Download now]( Discover the measured yet forward-thinking artificial intelligence strategies underway in the Intelligence Community. Learn about AI/ML efforts at the CIA, DIA and NGA in our new ebook.   [Online protection bills for kids pass in Maryland House, Senate - but Big Tech companies continue their fight]( Bills that would limit how much data can be harvested from kids online passed overwhelmingly in their respective chambers in Annapolis, but there are signs that opponents aren't finished objecting to the measures. [READ MORE](   [Alexandria English teacher wins ‘Oscars of teaching']( “I'm so honored that they see such potential in me.” Eva Irwin, an Alexandria City High School teacher, was recognized for her outstanding work teaching 10th and 11th graders. [READ MORE](   Sponsored Event [Make 2024 your healthiest year yet]( WTOP talked with health and wellness experts from across the DMV to gain tips both personal and professional for our 2024 Get on Top of Your Health series. Check out the interviews now!   [Why the arrival of spring could mean higher gas prices]( Experts say gas prices normally go up this time of year as Americans use more fuel to travel for spring break and summer travel season looms. [READ MORE](   [Tips for planting a cherry blossom tree (or something similar) in your yard]( If you're interested in adding a cherry tree to your property, here is what should be considered, according to Casey Trees urban forester Keith Howerton. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED BY UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CAPITAL REGION HEALTH [Get on Top of Your Health: New UMD cancer center to open in Prince George's County]( We talk to the center's medical director, Dr. Magesh Sundaram, about what patients can expect at the first centralized cancer care facility in the Maryland county.   [Biden and congressional leaders announce a deal on government funding as a partial shutdown looms]( While the president said he'll sign the package as soon as he receives it, time is running short. Legislative staff needs time to finish the bill's text. Meanwhile, funding for several key agencies expires at midnight Friday. [READ MORE](   [Police release photo of vehicle linked to Northwest DC mass shooting]( D.C. police are searching for a black Infiniti that may have been involved in a deadly shooting in Northwest that left two men dead and five people wounded last weekend. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Holy Cross Health [Get on Top of Your Health: How Holy Cross focuses on combating systemic maternal care issues faced by women of color]( Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die in childbirth, and the mortality rate for Hispanic women jumped by 44% in the last year, Holy Cross' Dr. Janis Green says. She shares the health system's strategy for reversing such statistics.   [PHOTOS: Take a peek into Metro's ‘Fleet of the Future']( The transit agency is already gearing up for the next generation of trains and buses as replicas of the 8000 Series rail cars are on display at the National Mall through April 3. [READ MORE](   [Pinky and the Brain take over Frederick as ‘Animaniacs' cast visits Weinberg Center]( Voice actors Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche, who portrayed cartoon characters Pinky and the Brain, will perform live alongside Emmy-winning music composer Randy Rogel in Frederick this Saturday. [READ MORE](   Sponsored Event [Federal News Network's DoD Cloud Exchange 2024 | Register now!]( Join Federal News Network on March 26 and 27 for our DoD Cloud Exchange. We'll be hosting leaders from across Defense along with industry tech experts to get in the weeds on the latest policy initiatives, real-world implementations and latest technology developments.   PARTNERSHIP [Listen live for news, traffic and weather from WTOP News on our FREE App!]( Download the app today - sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union - to stay up to date on all the latest news in the DMV.   [Check out the latest weather forecast]( [Click here for the latest traffic updates]( [Visit WTOP's Podcast Center]( Download and listen to podcasts created by WTOP and our partners CONNECT WITH WTOP [facebook]( [twitter]( [linkedin]( [instagram]( EVERYTHING YOU NEED EVERY TIME YOU LISTEN [DOWNLOAD THE WTOP APP]( [Click here to manage your newsletter preferences.]( This email and the accompanying website are not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. [Unsubscribe](  | [Contact us.](