A famous DC-area figure in line for a high honor - Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | February 20, 2024 [Web version](   [Congressional Gold Medal proposed to honor abolitionist Frederick Douglass]( A Maryland congressman aims to honor Frederick Douglass with the Congressional Gold Medal: the legislative body's highest expression for distinguished achievement. [READ MORE](   [Man steals ambulance while hospitalized with injuries from stolen car crash in Fairfax Co., police say]( The man stole a private ambulance after walking away from treatment at Inova Fairfax Hospital. He was a passenger in the stolen car that crashed on Route 50 at Interstate 66. [READ MORE](   ADVERTISEMENT [Freedom Provides the Support Non-Profits Need to Stay Mission Focused]( Freedom Bank serves the needs of local non-profits who tirelessly contribute to our communities. We help non-profits maximize financial resources through customized financing and tax-exempt bond solutions, and robust treasury management resources.   [The Alexandria arena bill may pass or fail - but there's a third option, too]( There are a few potential options for the Virginia legislation that would establish a sports and entertainment authority, laying the groundwork to build a new arena. [READ MORE](   [Concerning substance use trends among Loudoun Co. students go beyond fentanyl]( "Kids are buying these illicitly believing they're actually these drugs, and not knowing there's fentanyl in them," Jennifer Evans of Loudoun County Public Schools said. [READ MORE](   Event - Webinar [AI & Data Exchange 2024 | 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.   [Anti-violence program in Prince George's Co. garners donations from business leaders]( Dozens of people packed into a Prince George's County government building to hear an impassioned message on preventing crime and youth violence from community leaders. [READ MORE](   [Montgomery Co. youth rugby team loses thousand of dollars to hackers]( The Maryland Exiles Youth Rugby Club is still trying to play catch-up after someone stole $17,000 from its bank account back in September. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [How modern security operations centers keep up with emerging threats]( As agencies turn to outsource their security operations center staffs, they need assurance the employees have both certifications and up-to-date knowledge.   [Matt About Town: Old Bay and Jimmy's Famous Seafood: Baltimore's spiciest collaboration]( WTOP's Matt Kaufax heads up to Baltimore to try some new Old Bay flavors that may be hitting stores near you. [READ MORE](   [Maryland ranks No. 3 on ‘Most Educated States' list]( According to Wallethub's ranking, Maryland is notable for being a state that has enacted a free statewide community college program, which is partially responsible for its high ranking. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by MedStar Washington Hospital Center [Risks associated with carotid artery disease and how to treat it]( Although the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis, or carotid artery disease, in the U.S. is low, the outcome of not treating the disease can be life changing.   [More than $10K in inventory was taken from this unique DC library. Within days, the community covered the cost]( There's a different kind of library in D.C. that, instead of lending out books, lends out tools. And after the D.C. Tool Library fell on hard times, the community answered its call for help. [READ MORE](   [Here's what to do if you smell gas on your property]( First responders were called to a Loudoun County house shortly before it exploded because of concerns about a gas leak. Here are some things to keep in mind if you suspect there's a problem at your home. [READ MORE](   EVENT - WEBINAR [Tapping into data insights to prevent fraud | Register now!]( Join moderator Jory Heckman, and federal agency and industry leaders on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. ET to gain insights on how data, AI/ML and good partnerships can help create better fraud prevention policies and investigations.   [‘This Old House' host Kevin O'Connor gives home improvement tips at Capital Remodel + Garden Show]( You can meet Kevin O'Connor, host of PBS' "This Old House," at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly on Saturday. [READ MORE](   [Car Review: Toyota finally jumps into the EV game with the bZ4X small crossover]( The Toyota bZ4X is the company's first all-electric ride with modern looks and updated technology. However, the range falls short of some of the competition. [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.   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.](