Plans for new arena in Alexandria clears political hurdle - Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | February 14, 2024 [Web version](   [Bill laying groundwork for new Wizards, Capitals arena in Alexandria passes in Virginia House]( While the bill's passage marks a significant development for supporters of the arena project, the legislation now heads to the Virginia Senate where its future is uncertain. [READ MORE](   [‘We heard you': Beltsville volunteer fire station to stay fully staffed, officials say]( "That's what the community wanted, that's what we heard you say, we committed to that," said Barry Stanton, deputy chief administrative officer for public safety for Prince George's County. [READ MORE](   ADVERTISEMENT [The Banking Partner You Need for Today's Complex Real Estate Market]( If you are looking for a bank that understands the needs of commercial real estate investors, you can depend on Freedom to provide industry expertise and advice, and to move quickly to help you seize opportunities through creative financing solution.   [Store manager facilitated string of 7 robberies at same DC Walgreens, police say]( The same person committed seven armed robberies at the same Walgreens, according to D.C. police. Officials are also saying the suspect had help from inside the store. [READ MORE](   [1 man killed, another wounded in stabbing at Manassas trade school; suspect fatally shot by police]( “It's horrific, You got folks that come out here to do some training and next thing you know, one of them's lost his life and another one's struggling for his life in a local hospital." [READ MORE](   Sponsored by MedStar Washington Hospital Center [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.   [Economics of Valentine's Day and why we spend so much for our sweethearts]( The cost of Valentine's Day this year is $185.81. That's how much people will spend on average this year on their special someone. A Virginia professor explains how this signals affections. [READ MORE](   [Story District hosts ‘Worst Date Ever: A Valentine's Day Contest' at Howard Theatre]( Have you ever been on a really bad date? Why not bring it up on stage as Story District hosts "Worst Date Ever: A Valentine's Day Contest" at Howard Theatre Wednesday. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Where federal AI is headed next]( Artificial intelligence use cases are so numerous, federal agencies need to move fast. But they also need to use caution, especially in the generative branch of AI   [GOP-led House impeaches Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas - by one vote - over border management]( The charges head to the Senate for a trial, but neither Democratic nor even some Republican senators have shown interest in the matter and it may be indefinitely shelved to a committee. [READ MORE](   [Is this the year Noah Law's loophole closes? Activists push Maryland to prevent repeat drunk drivers]( More than half of those busted for drunk driving in Maryland aren't ordered to get the one tool that's supposed to be required at sentencing. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield [CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield advances health equity by addressing ‘social drivers of health']( Factors such as income, education, employment, housing and social support networks collectively contribute to health outcomes. "They are basically the non-clinical factors that impact overall health," said Kimberly Harris, the director of community health and social impact at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield.   [How a high school basketball team inspires Prince William Co. elementary students to read]( Once a week, the Potomac High School basketball team spends time at River Oaks Elementary, reading books to the younger students and asking them questions to keep them engaged. [READ MORE](   [How childhood bullying is linked to mental health problems later, according to a new study]( The study is believed to be the first to examine the link between developing a strong distrust of others after childhood bullying and the subsequent reporting of mental health problems. [READ MORE](   EVENT - WEBINAR [AI & Data Exchange 2024 on Feb. 27 and 28 | Register now!]( During Federal News Network's inaugural AI & Data Exchange, presented by Guidehouse, government and industry experts will share insights and progress on AI work and discuss how to address the related challenges that all agencies face.   [Prince George's Co. lawmakers propose harsher sentences for crimes in certain ‘sacred' places]( In recent years, violent crimes have occurred in places that shock the conscience. If the bill passes, a judge can impose an enhanced sentence ranging from as little as one day to 10 years, depending on the severity of the crime. [READ MORE](   [VIDEO: Police looking for 2 more ‘persons of interest' in fatal shooting of 2-year-old in Prince George's Co.]( Two other men have already been arrested in connection with the toddler's killing in Langley Park. Investigators believe an argument over drug distribution territory led to the shooting. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Washington Adventist University [Childcare providers grow, develop essential skills through Washington Adventist University]( Adults and working professionals can find the programs and support they need to grow in their careers at Washington Adventist University.   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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