What role will abortion play in the new Va. General Assembly? - Friday, November 17, 2023 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | November 17, 2023 [Web version](   [New Va. Senate majority leader Scott Surovell says constitutional amendment on abortion is possible]( Virginia lawmakers could push for an amendment to the state's constitution that would guarantee a woman's right to an abortion. [READ MORE](   [Archdiocese of Washington issues a legal challenge to Maryland Child Victims Act]( The legislation went into effect on Oct. 1 after a yearslong effort by advocates for survivors who worked to pass similar measures in the state's General Assembly. [READ MORE](   ADVERTISEMENT [Sentara Health Plans Now Available For Federal Employees]( There's a new health plan option for federal employees in northern Virginia. Sentara Health Plans offers a broad network and dedicated customer service. This Plan is issued by Sentara Health Plans. Exclusions, terms and conditions apply.   [Has the big federal infrastructure bill changed your commute? Q&A with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg]( It's been two years since President Joe Biden signed a massive federal infrastructure bill into law. The transportation secretary joined WTOP to outline what he said are some notable improvements in the D.C. area. [READ MORE](   [Want to get around Thanksgiving gridlock? Leave at ‘inconvenient' times]( Tens of millions are expected to drive for the Thanksgiving holiday, and that means intense gridlock will likely greet drivers as they hit the roads. [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.”   [Md. woman who survived pancreatic cancer raises awareness about the potentially deadly illness]( “I was just lucky that the tumor was in a place where it caused me pain whenever I ate.” [READ MORE](   [How to prevent your heating bill from going up as temperatures go down]( According to Dominion Energy, residents can set the thermostat to a consistent temperature and consider a smart thermostat to avoid spikes in their energy bills this winter. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Did you know you can get paid to carpool?]( Imagine not worrying about the high cost of gas and getting paid to commute. Did you know that's possible? That's right, you can earn some cool cash when you carpool or vanpool!   [How changing a word on a sign could help Alexandria keep pedestrians safer]( Alexandria is considering a change to the city's code that would help keep pedestrians safe and help police identify drivers who don't stop for them while they're trying to cross the street. [READ MORE](   [Prince George's Co. Council passes flurry of bills as 2023 winds down]( A new council that began the year with large ambitions started winding down 2023 by passing a flurry of legislation -- several of which unanimously -- after spending months amending and improving bills. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by MedStar Washington Hospital Center [Weighing your weight loss options: Which is right for you]( There are several options when it comes to maintaining your weight. Dr. Ivanesa Pardo, a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center discusses which ones may be right for you.   [Are those Black Friday deals really worth it?]( You can find Black Friday deals pretty much everywhere. But buyers beware. Experts say most of those deals are not legitimate and won't save you money. [READ MORE](   [Which vehicle brands rank the highest for the 2024 model year?]( As the 2024 models of vehicles roll onto the showroom floors, U.S. News & World Report crunched the numbers to see which brands do the best when compared to one another. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [New energy era demands lots of technology and engineering]( The energy infrastructure at the moment “is somewhat vulnerable,” said Jim Blankenhorn, the environment and security business line manager at Amentum. He urged planners to think about the electrical infrastructure comprehensively, and not only about the wiring grid.   [Virginia Attorney General hires law firm to represent James Madison in bowl eligibility dispute]( “We fully hope and expect that the various Committees and the NCAA as a whole will do the right thing and allow JMU to compete in whatever bowl game its performance warrants.” [READ MORE](   [Jay Leno reflects on favorite ‘Tonight Show' memories, Letterman rivalry en route to MGM National Harbor]( After becoming a household name for hosting as a late-night TV host for decades, comedian Jay Leno brings his standup tour to Oxon Hill this Saturday. [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. [Unsubscribe](  | [Contact us.](