A Maryland store become 'a sisterhood' for new business owners - Thursday, March 21, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | March 21, 2024 [Web version](   [How a Rockville store is fostering the growth of diverse women-owned businesses]( The Maryland Women's Business Center places businesses in a shared shop for six months and provides training to expand their businesses. At the same time, it has created "really close bonds" between female business owners. [READ MORE](   [Firefighter injured in Sterling house explosion welcomed home after being released from burn unit]( Brian Diamond, a volunteer with the Sterling Volunteer Fire Company, is the last firefighter to be released from the hospital following the explosion. [READ MORE](   ADVERTISEMENT [The right bank can change outcomes]( Freedom Bank's Government Contracting team offers flexible, accessible services tailored to your unique goals. We have the expertise to help you obtain capital, mobilize expenses for new contract awards and leverage buy-outs and acquisitions. Whether you are part of an emerging 8(a) or SDVOSB or an established contractor competing on full and open contracts, we're here to help you.   [Teen killed in shooting in Fairfax County as police continue search for shooter]( The shooting happened on Coppermine Road near Sunrise Valley Drive, just east of Dulles International Airport. Detectives believe they know the suspect's identity. [READ MORE](   [Things to do in the DC area: Cherry blossom events, José Andrés' new cookbook… and more!]( Cherry blossom season is here, and that means that there is a wide variety of events on the way to celebrate the spring season and the pink flowers that come with it across the D.C. area. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Alpas Wellness [Get on Top of Your Health: New La Plata rehab center takes individualized, holistic approach]( No two people are the same, so why would their addiction recovery be, pointed out Alphas Wellness' Marcus Smith. “We won't have you going to groups where you are getting information that doesn't apply to you. … We're going to tailor your curriculum.”   [How Montgomery County plans to address police officer vacancies]( Montgomery County police have lost 194 officers over the past five years and have a sworn vacancy rate of 14%. Many officers are also approaching retirement age. [READ MORE](   [BWI Marshall sets international passenger record]( The BWI Marshall Airport saw nearly 1.4 million international passengers in 2023 - 2.6% higher than the previous record set in 2018. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Hidden hazards: Protecting your pets from everyday toxins]( Pets are naturally curious creatures, which can sometimes lead them into trouble. Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital uncovers some of the most common toxins pets can get into and provide you with the knowledge to prevent accidental poisonings.   [Maryland chef competes on Food Network show]( Some of the world's greatest chefs are competing in the Food Network's "Tournament of Champions," including Maryland's own Tobias Dorzon. [READ MORE](   [Matt About Town: Celebrate Women's History month at this memorial inside Arlington National Cemetery]( Explore the inside of the 220-foot space behind the memorial, carefully crafted with authentic memorabilia from all conflicts and eras where women have done their part and more. [READ MORE](   Event [WTOP's Energy Strategy Series 2024 | Register now]( Launching on Earth Day, this exclusive series on WTOP.com will bring together government and industry experts to share initiatives and insights about efforts to transform the nation's energy infrastructure. Register now!   [DC nonprofit receives $2 million donation from Amazon's MacKenzie Scott]( "This donation is really transformational for us." Spark the Journey provides mentorship and a community of support for young adults, helping them go to college and enter the workforce. [READ MORE](   [Republican Larry Hogan leads both Democrats in Md. US Senate race, Washington Post poll finds]( Polling Director Scott Clement tells WTOP that while the Democratic side is up for "a very malleable race" in its primary, the former Maryland governor remains very popular with voters. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Why DoD needs 5G private networks for training]( Private 5G networks allow DoD to replicate real-world environments for training, as well as enable new technologies. But it needs a foundation.   [Making friends as an adult is hard. This DC program is trying get you back out in the field - literally]( With the weather getting warmer, it's the perfect time to ditch your coat and grab your cleats. Or if soccer isn't for you, you can opt for volleyball, kickball, bocce ball, flag football or even axe throwing. [READ MORE](   [Bracket Breakdown IV: Can the Huskies repeat? Plus a look at the East Region]( The NCAA Tournament begins in earnest Thursday, and WTOP's Dave Preston breaks down the bracket's East Region, with UConn leading the way. [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.](