Scripps National Spelling Bee guide: How to watch, who the notable spellers are, rules and prizes

WTOP News 5/25 8:57A WTOP Staff

FILE - Sarv Dharavane, 11, of Tucker, Ga., reacts after spelling his word correctly in the finals of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Md. (AP Photo/Julia...

Analysis: Gunfire at the White House reveals America’s dangerous new security reality

WTOP News 5/25 5:04A J.J. Green

Police and members of the Secret Service block streets around the White House, Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Police and members of the Secret Service block streets...

Gunman killed near White House had been previously charged with trespassing

WTOP News 5/25 1:11A Neal Augenstein

Evidence markers are seen on a crime scene after police responded to reports of shots fired near the White House, Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Evidence markers are...

‘Every second matters’: How effective are post-9/11 counterterrorism systems against the ‘lone...

WTOP News 5/24 4:09A Abigail Constantino

Saturday s shooting near the White House showed how quickly a single individual can force federal security into crisis mode, WTOP National Security Correspondent J.J. Green said. Related stories Suspect dead after opening fire near White House...

What’s next for pipeline that burst, causing massive Potomac River sewage spill?

WTOP News 5/23 2:21A Mitchell Miller

Members of Congress learned a great deal this week about issues that contributed to the massive pipe that burst earlier this year, causing hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage to flow into...

‘Shopping cart killer’ sentenced to life in prison for 2021 murders

WTOP News 5/22 10:54P Ciara Wells

Anthony Eugene Robinson, also known as the shopping cart killer, was sentenced Friday to life in prison for the 2021 murders of two women in Harrisonburg, Virginia, whose bodies he transported in a shopping cart and concealed in an undeveloped...

DC voter guide: What to know before June primary for mayor, council, Congress

WTOP News 5/21 11:12P Thomas Robertson

The 2026 election cycle will mark the start of a new era in D.C. politics. Voters in the District will choose a new mayor for the first time in 12 years. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced late last year...

Metro GM on possible new ‘Gold Line,’ Stadium-Armory improvements, bus fares

WTOP News 5/21 10:56P Thomas Robertson

Big changes are coming to two very different aspects of Metro s system. On buses, boarding riders will soon be greeted by the operator, who will now be directed to remind riders about the fare. Earlier this week, Metro said nearly seven in 10 bus...

Asian spirits, from Korean gin to Japanese whiskey, are becoming staples on DC drink menus

WTOP News 5/21 10:31P John Domen

All throughout May, WTOP is celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with stories about the people and places shaping the D.C. region . Cooking techniques and ingredients give Asian cuisines their distinct and regional...

Key federal agency approves the design plan for Trump’s Washington arch

WTOP News 5/21 6:29A WTOP Staff

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts on Thursday approved the design for the triumphal arch that President Donald Trump wants built at an entrance to the nation s capital, a key step in the project s process. Commissioners, all...

Republicans expected to abandon $1B security proposal for White House and Trump’s ballroom

WTOP News 5/21 5:07A WTOP Staff

The Ballroom construction site can be seen as President Donald Trump tours the area at the White House, Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) The Ballroom construction site...

Cold front brings clouds, showers Thursday ahead of Memorial Day weekend

WTOP News 5/21 12:36A Jeffery Leon

After days of record heat, the D.C. region will see rain and cooler temperatures on Thursday, lingering into the holiday weekend. After a warm start in the upper 60s, temperatures will spend the day sliding backward, dropping into the upper 50s...

Things to do in the DC area: Memorial Day events, Strawberry Jubilee Fest … and more!

WTOP News 5/20 10:23P Michelle Goldchain

Across the D.C. region, there are several ways to honor the lives and legacies of those who served and sacrificed for this country. Memorial Day is observed each year on the last Monday in May, but there are several demonstrations, parades and...

Memorial Day Parade brings long list of road closures to DC

WTOP News 5/20 10:05P Thomas Robertson

Memorial Day means crowded streets in downtown D.C., but not because of traffic. Drivers will make way for the National Memorial Day Parade on Monday. There s a long list of road closures to accommodate the event. It starts Saturday at 7 a.m....

A year after opening, does Southeast DC trust Cedar Hill hospital?

WTOP News 5/20 9:58P Scott Gelman

This page contains a video which is being blocked by your ad blocker. In order to view the video you must disable your ad blocker. A year after opening, does Southeast DC trust Cedar Hill hospital?...