What an inspector general's report says about Montgomery Co. schools - Thursday, January 25, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | January 25, 2024 [Web version](   [New report faults Montgomery County Public Schools in handling of employee misconduct]( Separately, Maryland's largest school system confirmed that former middle school principal Joel Beidleman, who has been accused of sexual misconduct, is no longer employed. [READ MORE](   [Warm weather coming: Will the DC area hit 70 degrees Friday?]( Snow is still on the ground in some parts of the D.C. region, but come Friday, it's arguably a shorts and a T-shirt weather ... for some people. [READ MORE](   ADVERTISEMENT [Government Contractors Find Industry Experts at Freedom Bank]( GovCons excel with capital, treasury, and financial advisory solutions from Freedom Bank. Our team of industry experts deliver creative ideas to secure working capital, to mobilize on new contract awards, and to leverage for buyouts and acquisitions.   [Virginia Senate bill would allow school boards to ban cellphones during school hours]( The legislation cleared the Senate on a 36-3 vote and will need to get the approval of the House of Delegates and Gov. Glenn Youngkin to go into effect. [READ MORE](   [Maryland ups its investment in a future city center on a hill in Cheverly]( A future city center on the former Prince George's Hospital Center site plans to impact the town of Cheverly, and Gov. Wes Moore says the state is increasing its investment to make that happen. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield [CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield breaks down behavioral health barriers]( There are a number of barriers that exist in communities nationwide that may stand in the way of individuals being able to access behavioral health services.   [Baltimore bars and restaurants prepare for big crowds for AFC Championship game]( Compared to a typical game day, Baltimore-area businesses plan to triple their business Sunday during the AFC Championship game, with more than a thousand people stopping by before and after the game. [READ MORE](   [How Loyola University in Md. is responding to its connections to slavery]( A task force is recommending that Loyola University in Maryland take several steps, including renaming a building, in response to its connection to slavery. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [A study looks at the relation between infertility and menopause symptoms]( A study in the journal Menopause linked infertility to some midlife menopause symptoms. Experts at MedStar Washington Hospital Center dive in.   [When and where to see the Wolf Moon, first full moon of 2024]( "Make sure you are ready for the cold weather and take advantage of these early sunsets to enjoy and share the wonders of the night sky," [READ MORE](   [Things to do in the DC area: MSG documentary screening, art gallery exhibits … and more!]( There's so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital [How much daily exercise does my pet need?]( While all pets need exercise every day, the amount each cat or dog requires varies. Follow these guidelines to create a general exercise plan for you pet.   [Northern Virginia neighbors concerned over planned data center that's more than 100 feet tall]( After three hours of public backlash and discussion, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted 8 to 1 to approve the rezoning on the proposed data center near Stonecroft Boulevard. [READ MORE](   [Nearly 50-year sentence for man who killed Md. woman he was seeing after learning she was transgender]( Prosecutors said the man told the court during his sentencing that when he first learned his partner was not a biological female, he reacted and shot her. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Ensuring data resiliency | Download now]( Learn how agencies are utilizing data to drive mission success and keep pace with emerging technology.   [An unusual pay phone in Takoma Park only makes one kind of call - bird calls]( Press any button on the "Bird Calls Phone," and you'll hear different sounds, including the cawing of a crow, the whistling of a Wood thrush, or the chatter of the Belted kingfisher. [READ MORE](   [Record six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald joins NSO for ‘tsunami of sound' at Kennedy Center]( “It's going to be a journey through the great American musical theater songbook.” The six-time Tony winner will perform in D.C. on Tuesday, Jan. 30 and Wednesday, Jan. 31. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Okta & AWS [Securing networks: AI and automation in zero trust architecture | Watch now!]( Moderator Justin Doubleday, and agency and industry leaders discuss how agencies are implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to enhance cybersecurity initiatives.   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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