'They can just have fun and be a kid' - Friday, February 23, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | February 23, 2024 [Web version](   [This Northern Va. woman grew up hungry. She's working to make sure no kids have the same experience.]( BetterALife has a food pantry in Purcellville, and recently expanded to Reston. Its volunteers offer homework help and cooking classes, and strives to make sure students have food security. [READ MORE](   [Red Rabbit plans to bring ‘culturally relevant' meals to DC Wards 7 and 8]( A New York-based organization which works to bring “nutritious, scratch-made” meals to school cafeterias is looking to expand into D.C.'s Wards 7 and 8. [READ MORE](   ADVERTISEMENT [Enjoy exclusive savings on every item in store at our upcoming Trunk Show!]( Register for Mervis Diamond Importer's Tacori trunk show, Feb 23rd to Feb 25th. Immerse yourself in a world of unparalleled craftsmanship and timeless beauty as we unveil our latest Tacori collection.   [Montgomery Co. virtual classes could be on the chopping block]( “Our student body includes students from all backgrounds. … However, they all have one thing in common - they learn better outside of a traditional classroom setting,” teacher Nancy Perry said. [READ MORE](   [From HBCUs to the Olympics - through this unique form of lacrosse]( A club-level collegiate league based in Maryland is hoping to get students from HBCUs on the Olympic roster for what's known as Sixes Lacrosse. [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.   [Could all of Prince George's County's speed cameras be going dark next week?]( The head of Prince George's County's automated enforcement division said a changing of vendors that operate the speed cameras program and means there could be a gap that stretches for weeks or months. [READ MORE](   [‘People have absolutely gone crazy': The latest effort to curb speeding in Maryland work zones]( In 2023 there were more than 1,200 crashes in work zones across Maryland. “That's over three crashes every single day,” said Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [How MedStar Health can treat pericardial effusion]( Although well tolerated for some patients, fluid buildup around the heart, particularly in excess, can cause other complications like heart failure and even death. MedStar Washington Hospital Center dives into how pericardial effusion can be diagnosed and managed.   [2nd manager charged in scheme to rob DC Walgreens of $30K, court docs show]( A second former manager of a D.C. Walgreens was arrested and charged Thursday morning in connection with a series of robberies during which a group of four stole nearly $30,000 from the drugstore. [READ MORE](   [DC recruiting firm accused of pretending to be visa sponsor shuts down, AG's office says]( “Being trapped in an elaborate scam - and discovering that you've fallen victim to labor trafficking - is gut-wrenching and shakes you to your core,” said Dulce Maria Nuñez Zaldivar, a middle school teacher who is originally from Honduras. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Maximus [Cybersecurity starts in the Security Operations Center]( The experts behind the Security Operations Centers in the federal government vary by agency, technology and include both federal employees and contractors.   [Kennedy Center hosts REACH to FOREST festival]( The two-week festival “REACH to FOREST” captivates the Kennedy Center through March 3. The festival includes tons of family-friendly events for parents to bring their kids to enjoy. [READ MORE](   [Bird flu detected in Charles Co., property quarantined]( A Charles County property is under quarantine after officials detected a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a backyard flock, the state Department of Agriculture announced. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [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.   [DC-area's allergy season has begun. Do you have an action plan?]( An doctor in Montgomery County said allergy sufferers may be feeling some effects of hay fever with certain trees already producing pollen. Here are her tips for managing symptoms. [READ MORE](   [Rebel Just for Kicks: Portugal. The Man rocks The Anthem, ‘one of the raddest venues in the country']( “That's kind of a stop that every band looks forward to is playing 9:30 Club, The Anthem, just hitting these shows, that's always the highlight of everybody's tour," founder and frontman John Gourley told WTOP. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by In-Q-Tel [In-Q-Tel: The translator between DoD, start-ups]( Barry Leffew, the vice president of the government platform accelerator at In-Q-Tel, said areas like cybersecurity, enterprise technology, space, lightweight energy sources and biotechnology are among the company's top investment focus areas.   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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