Should you trust the cherry blossom bloom forecast? - Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | February 28, 2024 [Web version](   [How accurate are those DC cherry blossom predictions?]( Over the past decade, the National Park Service has only nailed the exact date with its initial prediction once, which was last year. High temperatures can speed the process, and late snows slow the incoming blooms. [READ MORE](   [Trump and Biden won Michigan. But ‘uncommitted' votes demanded attention]( A vigorous campaign disillusioned with the president's handling of the war in Gaza made headway before the primary. Meanwhile, Trump continues struggling with influential voter blocs that favored his rival, Nikki Haley. [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.   [Canine units to start searching Loudoun Co. high schools for illegal narcotics]( Canine teams will start randomly searching Loudoun County high schools next month, Superintendent Aaron Spence said, as part of a plan to deter students from bringing illegal substances to school campuses. [READ MORE](   [Family urges Md. lawmakers to create Purple Alert for people with intellectual disabilities]( The father of a man who was missing in Maryland for six days last October is urging lawmakers to pass a bill to create the same kind of large scale alerts for when older adults with intellectual disabilities go missing. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by American Chemistry Council [Chemical industry calls for congressional action as EPA struggles with backlog of new chemicals awaiting review]( While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a key role in assessing the safety of chemicals used in various products, the agency's effectiveness has been hindered by its inability to manage its resources efficiently, resulting in a burgeoning backlog of new chemicals awaiting review.   [Court appearance postponed: Man accused of leading police on 30-mile chase in stolen Md. highway truck remains hospitalized]( Court documents said Flavio Cesar Lanuza did not heed commands to surrender, which required officers to break the truck's windows. Due to the chase, he faces multiple charges in Prince George's and Montgomery counties. [READ MORE](   [How a WTOP reporter almost got swindled by a scammer over the phone]( Montgomery County Police say among the most common scams are phone calls in which the caller impersonates law enforcement or a government agency threatening the victim with arrest or fines unless they pay a fee. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Want to improve your heart health? Embrace 9 heart-smart steps]( Want to improve your heart health? It definitely pays to be proactive, says Dr. Vaani Panse Garg of MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She shares nine heart-smart steps that can help people prevent heart disease.   [Gaithersburg business sells art depicting ‘Positive Black Images']( “Our mission is to curate, showcase and share the rich and diverse images that emanate from the African American culture and the Black experience," entrepreneur Dexter Merritt said. [READ MORE](   [The website that bypasses animal shelters to find pets a new home]( "Home To Home" allows pet owners who need to surrender their pets to find a match with prospective caretakers who might be interested in their dog, cat or other animal. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente [Why doing good is good for your employees, business and community]( Employees want to give back to and feel as if they are part of the communities where they live and work, explains Kaiser Permanente's Cynthia Cifuentes. To that end, she shares easy ways businesses can jumpstart corporate citizenship initiatives.   [Shuck yeah! Where to eat oysters in the DC area]( Here is WTOP's list of some of the most noteworthy eateries worth venturing to for shucking the best oysters in the region. Dive in! [READ MORE](   [Commanders announce millions in upgrades to FedEx Field]( The home of the Washington Commanders is getting an offseason face-lift, and team officials say the improvements will be noticeable from the moment fans enter the parking lots. [READ MORE](   EVENT - WEBINAR [Federal News Network's DoD Cloud Exchange 2024 | Register Now]( Join Federal News Network on March 26 and 27 for our DoD Cloud Exchange. We'll be hosting leaders from across Defense along with industry tech experts to get in the weeds on the latest policy initiatives, real-world implementations and latest technology developments.   [Washington Spirit switches up team colors, unveils new 2024 kits]( The Spirit has switched its team colors to yellow and black, a departure from most D.C.-based pro sports teams, which traditionally include red, white and blue. [READ MORE](   [Black Girls Rock Fest brings special pop-up series to Kennedy Center]( It's the perfect way to celebrate Black History Month's transition into Women's History Month. The Black Girls Rock Fest brings a series of pop-up events to D.C. from Feb. 29 to March 9. [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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