Maryland's oyster population is up, but 'seafood is a luxury' - Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | March 14, 2024 [Web version](   [A booming oyster population has Md. watermen hopeful, but right now they're hurting]( "Our future lies right there with the small ones." Just as oyster supplies are rising, demand appears to be waning, meaning watermen are making less money than they used to. [READ MORE](   [First on WTOP: Thousands fined for driving, parking in DC's bus lanes]( Thousands of people have received tickets for driving or parking in D.C.'s dedicated bus lanes, ever since a program that aims to make buses safer and more efficient advanced to its second phase earlier this year. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [Make 2024 your healthiest year yet]( WTOP talked with health and wellness experts from across the DMV to gain tips both personal and professional for our 2024 Get on Top of Your Health series. Check out the interviews now!   [140 iconic DC cherry trees to be removed for 3-year repair project at Tidal Basin]( The National Park Service said it is restoring the sinking sea walls along the Tidal Basin and the Potomac River through West Potomac Park as part of a three-year, $113 million project. [READ MORE](   [Montgomery Co. judge considers transfer of DC sniper Lee Boyd Malvo for new sentence in Md. shootings]( Lee Boyd Malvo appeared in a Montgomery County courtroom by video, as a circuit court judge considers how and when Malvo should return from Virginia to be resentenced for six Maryland murders. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital [Hidden hazards: Protecting your pets from everyday toxins]( Pets are naturally curious creatures, which can sometimes lead them into trouble. Rocky Gorge Animal Hospital uncovers some of the most common toxins pets can get into and provide you with the knowledge to prevent accidental poisonings.   [DC caps restaurant service fees at 20%. What should diners expect moving forward?]( Eating out in D.C. might be more expensive than the prices on the menu let on, thanks to service fees. But D.C. lawmakers voted this month to limit those service fees at bars and restaurants to 20%. [READ MORE](   [Where to get the best pies in the DC area to celebrate Pi Day]( For those in search of something scrumptious and perfectly round to celebrate Pi Day, WTOP has rounded up a few of the best pies and Pi Day specials you can enjoy in the region. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [AI & Data Exchange: Will generative AI become a data-driven co-pilot in the federal workplace?]( Tony Holmes, practice lead for solutions architects, public sector, at Pluralsight, views generative AI is the latest historical shift in technology that will reshape the modern workplace. (Psst: But he doesn't expect it to suddenly displace jobs!)   [‘We all need to eat': Loudoun Co. student fundraising to support World Central Kitchen in Gaza]( Leena Wahla became unsettled as she saw pictures of starving children and families in Gaza. So, she launched a fundraiser with a $10,000 goal to help provide food. [READ MORE](   [Construction begins on the largest residential development in Historic Manassas]( Fairfax-based Van Metre Homes and the City of Manassas broke ground on what will be the largest residential community developed in the heart of Manassas. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by MedStar Washington Hospital Center [Improving endometrial cancer treatments through clinical trials]( Dr. Ebony Hoskins, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, said patients with access to clinical trials can have better chances of survival of endometrial cancer.   [Metro renovates 169 restrooms in rail stations. Many people are surprised they even exist]( It took some time but after 14 years, Metro said it has completely renovated all 169 Metrorail bathrooms in the D.C. area. But the reaction on riders' minds was a resounding, "Metro has restrooms?" [READ MORE](   [Critically ill 10-year-old boy's dream of his own Metrobus ride comes true]( “He loves trucks and buses.” For his 10th birthday, Jacob Crandall wanted to ride the bus with his family. The D.C.-area transit agency was thrilled to honor the request. [READ MORE](   SPONSORED CONTENT [How to ask the right questions to define AI use cases]( Discussions about how to get started in artificial intelligence tend to focus on use cases. Agency staff ask themselves, in effect, “What could we do with AI?” or with machine learning or robotic process engineering.   [Earth, Wind & Fire bassist now part owner of DC-area sports team]( "I thought it was sexy … because it was from overseas." Verdine White is making his first venture into sports ownership as a new minority owner in Old Glory DC, the Washington area's professional rugby team. [READ MORE](   [Stephen Sondheim's ‘Company' swaps genders at Kennedy Center from bachelor to bachelorette]( The 1970 original earned a record 14 Tony nominations, winning six. Now, "Company" comes to D.C., running through March 31. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Inova Health [Get on Top of Your Health: How a blood donation or drive can help your community immediately]( Shocking statistic: Only 3% of people donate blood, even though 62% could. The result? Shortages for patients in critical need across the DMV. We talk with Inova Blood Donor Services' Nicholas Lilly about how we all can flip that stat on its head.   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.](