Chronic absenteeism: The number of Fairfax County Public School students missing class is on the rise - Saturday, November 11, 2023 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | November 11, 2023 [Web version](   [How Fairfax Co. is responding to a rise in student absenteeism]( An increasing number of Fairfax County Public School students are missing 10% or more of the school year, following national trends that depict a rise in chronic absenteeism. [READ MORE](   [U.Md. denounces ‘hateful, antisemitic' expressions from rally in support of Palestinians]( The University of Maryland is calling out "hateful, antisemitic statements" expressed during a recent student-led rally in support of Palestinians. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Washington Gas: Lighting the way to the future]( “This year has been dedicated to everyone who calls the DMV home,” said Blue Jenkins, President of Washington Gas. “Washington Gas is honored to pursue technologies that will continue making energy safe, affordable and reliable for our region.”   [17-year-old charged in shooting death of DC teenager]( A Northwest D.C. teenager is being charged as an adult in the shooting death of a 14-year-old, police said. [READ MORE](   [High-ranking DC police official who briefly served as acting chief leaves department]( Ashan Benedict was briefly named interim D.C. police chief in May of this year. [READ MORE](   Sponsored Content [Washington Gas: Lighting the way to the future]( “This year has been dedicated to everyone who calls the DMV home,” said Blue Jenkins, President of Washington Gas. “Washington Gas is honored to pursue technologies that will continue making energy safe, affordable and reliable for our region.”   [A longtime community staple, this Montgomery County McDonald's will close in December]( A McDonald's restaurant that some customers describe as a cornerstone of the Potomac, Maryland, community is expected to close its doors by the end of the year. [READ MORE](   [From farm stand to farm stay: Montgomery Co. looks at ‘agritourism' for its agricultural reserve]( If you've ever dreamed of having an overnight stay on one of the farms in Montgomery County's agricultural reserve, you may actually be interested in this proposed zoning text amendment. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Start your home weatherization journey with a free home energy conservation kit]( Drafty windows and water-wasting faucets could be costing you more money than you think. Fortunately, there are easy do-it-yourself weatherization projects to boost your home's energy efficiency and make it ready for all seasons.   [Prince George's Co. man pleads guilty to charges tied to fentanyl distribution ring]( A man from Largo, Maryland, pleaded guilty to charges stemming with his involvement in a fentanyl distribution ring. [READ MORE](   [Prince William Planning Commission recommends denial of PW Digital Gateway data center project]( The Prince William County Planning Commission on Thursday recommended the denial of all three rezoning applications associated with the divisive PW Digital Gateway data center proposal. [READ MORE](   Event - Webinar [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.   [Fewer DC students using drugs or alcohol, but survey paints grim picture of mental health]( Substance use and alcohol consumption was down among DC public and public charter school students in 2021 compared to 2019, according to the newly released results of the DC Youth Risk Behavior Survey. [READ MORE](   [Silver Spring woman celebrates 107th birthday; offers secret to long life]( A Silver Spring, Maryland, woman is celebrating a big milestone. Thursday marked her 107th birthday. [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.   [Veterans Day 2023 restaurant giveaways, specials and other deals]( While Veterans Day is on Saturday, Nov. 11, some businesses will be celebrating the holiday throughout the weekend or earlier on Friday with discounts, specials and other freebies. [READ MORE](   [American, Navy, and Howard Men's Basketball Preview: Bid league schools have hope]( American U. and Navy are chasing Colgate in the Patriot League-again. Last season's upsets weren't enough to save Coach Mike Brennan's job as he exited after 10 years at the helm. [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.   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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