The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
GOOD LUCK GETTING A CAB
Those celebrating Barack Obama’s inauguration may find it hard to get a cab as most taxi drivers, citing standstill congestion, closed main streets and impatient passengers, are opting to stay home. And even among those drivers who intend to brave the crowds, almost all are planning to avoid the daytime and downtown, hoping to take advantage of the evening partygoers in farther-out neighborhoods. “This taxi will not be in the city,” said Robert Studevent, 86 years old and a 63-year veteran of the taxi trade. “You must think I’m really stupid.” (DC Examiner)
IN 2009, MORE CUTS
It's not shaping up to be a very happy new year for local officials. Halfway through the current fiscal year, most area localities have already made cuts to deal with revenue shortfalls, and are looking at continued belt-tightening as they begin work on their upcoming budgets. Larger localities have instituted hiring freezes and laid off some employees. Some capital projects will be delayed as officials work to maintain essential services. (Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star)
FOR FOUR LOUDOUN SCHOOLS, AN UNCERTAIN FATE
A proposal to close four of Loudoun County's oldest elementary schools is drawing community concern even before its official announcement. The closing of Aldie, Hillsboro, Lincoln and Middleburg elementary schools is expected to be among the spending cuts of last resort proposed by Loudoun School Superintendent Edgar B. Hatrick III on Tuesday. Loudoun's School Board asked Hatrick to prepare several budget plans at different funding levels for the next fiscal year, and the closing will be included only in the two most severe scenarios. But even the possibility has some community members concerned. (Loundoun Extra)
NORTON CALLS FOR AIRTRAN HEARING
D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton says she wants a hearing on airline practices after nine Muslims were booted off an AirTran Airways flight on New Year's Day. The passengers were removed after other travelers reported hearing a suspicious remark about airplane security. The flight was departing from Reagan National Airport. In a statement Saturday, Norton said the reasons given by AirTran officials for removing the passengers -- eight of whom were U.S. citizens and one a legal permanent resident -- were "ignorantly off the mark." (NBC Washington)
