History made in a New York courtroom - Friday, May 31, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | May 31, 2024 [Web version](   [Guilty: Trump becomes first former US president convicted of felony crimes]( A New York jury found Donald Trump guilty of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to a porn actor. [READ MORE](   [DC-area locals, officials react to Trump's guilty verdict]( "A moral victory." While one politician says the former president's defense fell short, a professor thinks Americans should pay attention to the verdict when casting ballots in November's presidential election. [READ MORE](   EVENT [Federal News Network's Cloud Exchange 2024 | Register now]( Are civilian agencies across the government cloud-smart? How are they taking advantage of cloud to deliver digital services and improve mission deliverables? Find out during our exclusive event June 25 and 26.   [See how DC's boot crews are catching up with ‘scofflaws']( A pilot program launched by the Department of Public Works has led to about 800 vehicles parked around the District getting booted. WTOP rides along with one of the boot crews looking for "scofflaw" vehicles. [READ MORE](   [‘I am so honored': Fairfax Co. Fire and Rescue appoints its first Black female battalion chief]( Battalion Chief Felicia Barnes, a Fairfax County native and Mount Vernon High School graduate, said the support of her colleagues as she moved up the ranks played a role in her success. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Clean Fuels Alliance America [Modern agriculture celebrated on National Mall with stunning display of innovative farming equipment]( Against the backdrop of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol building, combines, tractors and other large-scale agricultural tools took center stage at an event showing off innovative technology that can help farmers do their jobs in a more efficient and sustainable way.   [Prince George's Co. could make all gun shops and shooting ranges hand these out]( The Prince George's County Council is moving closer to passing a new law that would require all firearms dealers and shooting ranges to display and provide pamphlets focused on firearm safety and mental health. [READ MORE](   [Is funding ‘locked up?' Budget battle raises questions about new DC jail]( The Department of Corrections and some D.C. Council members are worried that the delaying of funding for a new correctional facility would "severely delay" the project altogether. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Research shows no connection between asthma and gas stoves]( A study funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published in the Lancet medical journal in February found no association between heating and cooking with natural gas stoves and asthma in children or adults.   [‘Another very scary moment': DC-area lawmakers react to another close call at Reagan National Airport]( “This was another very scary moment,” U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen said after an American Airlines flight bound for Boston had to abort its takeoff to avoid colliding with another plane. [READ MORE](   [Beautiful trap: Scammers selling ‘seeds' for AI-generated plants that don't exist]( The lure is strong for home gardeners, searching online for ideas to spruce up their surroundings. Spoiler alert - many of the photos are AI generated. The plants don't exist. Neither do their 'seeds' which are marketed online. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by MedStar Washington Hospital Center [When and why you should get screened for prostate cancer]( Like any cancer, early detection is critical to beating the disease. But when should you get screened? Dr. Jonathan Hwang, a urologic oncologist at MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center explains further.   [DC metro area - and most others - have unemployment rates higher than a year ago]( The unemployment rate was higher in almost 80% of U.S. metropolitan areas in April compared to a year ago, including the D.C. metro area. [READ MORE](   [The ‘soft edges' of panda diplomacy at work in DC]( "This is a an incredible transition." Mario Mancuso, a visiting senior fellow at Hudson Institute, joined WTOP to discuss the soft diplomacy behind D.C.'s soon-to-arrive pandas. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [“We are the GW Hospital Neurosurgery family”]( Your neurological health affects your life and well-being in very important ways. The Neurosciences Institute at GW Hospital understands. That's why we offer comprehensive neurology and neurosurgery services to help patients enjoy better lives.   [Arts space Rhizome DC buys new location, plans move in early 2025]( For several years now, the days of Rhizome D.C. have been numbered, but the arts and community space is not planning on closing any time soon. [READ MORE](   [Kennedy Center hosts free outdoor films at REACH]( Starting this Friday, the Kennedy Center hosts free outdoor film screenings on the REACH Video Wall with movies starting at sundown. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by I-66 Express Mobility Partners [Private investment, public benefits: Celebrating the success of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway project]( The 66 Express is fulfilling its promise to move more people, goods, and services more efficiently along the busy I-66 corridor, while providing new travel options for all.   PARTNERSHIP [Let the games begin! The 32nd Annual Giant BBQ Battle is back]( Get ready for the BBQ Summer Games XXXII - June 22 - 23 on historic Pennsylvania Avenue   [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. 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