Democrats take control of Virginia's General Assembly - Wednesday, November 8, 2023 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | November 08, 2023 [Web version](   [Democrats sweep Virginia elections to take control of General Assembly]( A victory in Northern Virginia helped push Democrats to take control of the Virginia General Assembly, dashing Republican hopes of a governing trifecta. [READ MORE](   [Democrats win in several states on abortion rights and other highlights from Tuesday's elections]( Democrats had plenty of good news to celebrate in Tuesday's off-year election and more evidence that they can win races centered on the national debate over abortion. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Planning for a recession: How much should you save and how to earn more]( It's important to have enough savings to navigate financial uncertainties during an economic downturn.   [Results roll in for Md. municipal elections as voters decide on key local issues]( While the Election Day focus was centered on Virginia, voters in parts of Maryland headed to the polls to decide on several issues, including allowing noncitizens and young residents to vote in local elections. [READ MORE](   [National Zoo's pandas begin long journey back to China]( Their flight takes off at around 1 p.m. from Dulles International Airport for a 19-hour journey to the Wolong Panda Reserve in Chengdu, China. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital [Safe Thanksgiving foods for your pet]( Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family and feasting. While you prepare a delectable spread for your loved ones, don't forget about your four-legged family members with these tips.   [DC's acting police chief approved by council to serve on permanent basis]( Her unanimous confirmation comes as homicide and violent crime levels in the District reach levels not seen since the 1990s. [READ MORE](   [Parents fight to keep Bowie school open, but is it too late?]( School leaders in Prince George's County appear ready to move ahead with the closure of Pointer Ridge Elementary School, but parents are still fighting to keep it open. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [It's time for Open Season, and Federal News Network's ready to help]( Unsure what to consider when evaluating plans or weighing changes to your health care benefits for 2024? Get tips and advice from OPM and benefits experts about what to consider as you make your FEHB selections for the coming year.   [Fire ban imposed in Shenandoah National Park as Va. wildfire spreads; state of emergency declared]( The National Park Service said smoke is heaviest in the communities of Syria and Madison, which are closest to the fire, and in the central portion of the park, near Big Meadows, Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag. [READ MORE](   [‘Not one more': Advocates demand Supreme Court maintain law meant to keep guns away from domestic abusers]( "It should be personal to everybody. Any of us can have interactions with people who have guns and whose behavior has been erratic." [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Washington Gas [Four easy ways to help make home efficiency upgrades more affordable]( Upgrading your home to be more energy-efficient can be costly. The good news is Washington Gas customers have options to help make these projects more affordable. Here are four ways you can lower the cost of energy efficient upgrades.   [Median price of luxury home in DC market now nearly $1.7M]( The D.C. metro ranks No. 17 among the Top 50 metros for median price of a luxury home sale and No. 10 among metros with a population of one million or more people. [READ MORE](   [Commanders Corner: Rallying on the road keeps the club on the fringe]( The Washington Commanders needed a second-half rally to beat the New England. WTOP's Dave Preston breaks it down the numbers that led to Sunday's win. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Why it's important to see a medical professional about low testosterone]( Dr. Nathan Shaw, a reconstructive urologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, said low testosterone is a real diagnosis with notable, clinical downsides. However, he said it's important to see a specialist and not self-diagnose.   [Player of the Week: Manassas Park's Daniel Cuthbertson]( The sophomore carried 33 times for a school-record 445 yards and seven touchdowns as Manassas Park finished its regular season with a 49-27 victory over Richard Wright Public Charter School. [READ MORE](   [Food doc ‘Common Ground' makes DC premiere at Miracle Theatre starring Donald Glover, Laura Dern]( "We're building farmer profits, we're getting farmers out of debt and we're building healthy food. Those are all positive win-win things that everybody can agree on." [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Greater Washington Board of Trade [How research and evidence can chart the path to educational equity]( Improving education is core to the American Institutes for Research's work with its clients and communities, as well as a key area of focus for the AIR Equity Initiative, the institution's five-year, $105 million investment in addressing the effects of segregation by race and place through research, grant-making, partnerships and other activities.   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. 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