WTOP News

01/25/2025

A fourth case of bird flu was confirmed this week on a Maryland chicken farm, but state health and agriculture officials told lawmakers Friday that the situation, while concerning, is still manageable — at the moment.

Health and Agriculture officials are keeping watch on bird flu spread for fear of supply chain issues and public health risk.

01/25/2025

Some major American brands have ended their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. In a rare move, one makeup brand is flaunting theirs.

E.l.f is making the business case for diversity efforts at a moment when these initiatives are under attack across the country.

01/25/2025

Paul McCartney urged the British government not to make a change to copyright laws that he says could let artificial intelligence companies rip off artists.

01/25/2025

The Trump administration has fired more than a dozen independent inspectors general at government agencies, a sweeping action to remove oversight of his new administration that some members of Congress are suggesting violated federal oversight laws.

The Trump administration has fired more than a dozen independent inspectors general at government agencies, a sweeping action to remove oversight of his new administration.

01/25/2025

To some people, the word “ yoga ” evokes ritualistic chanting, long breaths and slow movement. To others, it means contorting your body into ever more complicated positions until sweat drips onto the mat. Here are some of the best class types for beginners.

To some people, the word “ yoga ” evokes ritualistic chanting, long breaths and slow movement. To others, it means contorting your body into ever more complicated positions until sweat drips onto the…

01/25/2025

BREAKING: The U.S. Senate confirmed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary on Saturday, installing the latest member of Trump’s national security team.

The Senate confirmed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary on Saturday.

01/25/2025

An Alabama woman passed a major milestone Saturday to become the longest living recipient of a pig organ transplant – healthy and full of energy with her new kidney for 61 days and counting.

01/25/2025

Two people are dead after two separate apartments caught fire in Northwest D.C. less than 24 hours apart.

01/25/2025

South Koreans are repurposing flower wreaths and K-pop light sticks as political protest tools amid the nation’s deepest political crisis in decades, sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived martial law declaration in December.

SEOUL (AP) — South Koreans are repurposing flower wreaths and K-pop light sticks as political protest tools amid the nation’s deepest political crisis in decades, sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s…

01/25/2025

China’s veteran foreign minister has issued a veiled warning to America’s new secretary of state: Behave yourself.

BEIJING (AP) — China's veteran foreign minister has issued a veiled warning to America's new secretary of state: Behave yourself. Foreign Minister Wang Yi conveyed the message in a phone call Friday…

01/25/2025

If you’re struggling to spot the difference between the Smithsonian National Zoo’s two new giant pandas, you’re not alone. Here are some tips on how to tell them apart.

If you’re struggling to spot the difference between the Smithsonian National Zoo’s two new giant pandas, you’re not alone. Here’s how to tell them apart.

01/25/2025

JUST IN: Hamas frees 4 female Israeli soldiers as part of the Gaza ceasefire in exchange for 200 prisoners

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Hamas militants handed over four captive female Israeli soldiers to the Red Cross in Gaza City on Saturday after parading them in front of a crowd. Israel was set to release…

01/25/2025

Nearly three years after Roe v. Wade was overturned, the 52nd annual March for Life featured not only the march, but live music, appearances by Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.

Tens of thousands of anti-abortion rights demonstrators rallied in D.C. on Friday for the annual March for Life.

01/25/2025

The students and staff at Franklin W. Ballou Senior High School in Southeast D.C. are so fired up about the Commanders-Eagles game Sunday, they held a pep rally to support Washington on Friday.

The students and staff at Franklin W. Ballou Senior High School in Southeast D.C. are so fired up about the Commanders-Eagles game Sunday, they held a pep rally to support Washington.

01/25/2025

On the field, the Washington Commanders are focused on another upset this weekend as they look to make an improbable run at the Super Bowl. But off the field, lawmakers are still focused on where the team will play in the future.

01/25/2025

BREAKING: The U.S. Senate has confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new secretary of defense in a late-night vote, giving President Donald Trump the third member of his new Cabinet.

The Senate is muscling Pete Hegseth’s nomination as defense secretary toward confirmation Friday, prioritizing his vow to create a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon over allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women.

01/25/2025

President Donald Trump vowed to support anti-abortion-rights protesters in his second term as tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied in Washington on Friday for the annual March for Life.

These are heady times for participants in the annual March for Life. Anti-abortion protestors gathered for decades to call for an appeal of Roe v. Wade.

01/25/2025

Maryland's State Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright sent out guidance on how the state's 24 school systems should respond to federal immigration agencies.

Maryland’s State Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright sent out guidance on how the state’s 24 school systems should respond to federal immigration agencies