The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
Raise Our Taxes
The majority of speakers at the county budget public hearings last week were mothers, and many said fully funding Loudoun County's public schools is a must, even if it means they will pay more in residential property taxes. The county is currently looking at raising the residential tax rate from $1.14 to $1.29 per $100 assessed value to offset some funding cuts. "We cannot afford to compromise our students' educations," said Leslie Sidhu, president of the Broad Run High School Parent-Teacher-Student Organization. (Loudoun Times)
Recession-Proof Business
As the recession forces reductions in industries across the economic spectrum, the Laurel factory that produces Nestle, Haagen-Dazs, Edy's and Dreyer's frozen desserts is expanding. Last month, the company added a new production line, and it will add two more by year's end. The growth comes on the heels of a $200 million expansion in 2005 that made the plant the largest Dreyer's facility in the country. (Baltimore Sun)
Oh, the Injustice
Montgomery College's decision to close a gap in its fence leading to a neighborhood where student and faculty smokers congregate will heap more inconvenience on a group that already feels unfairly treated by the college. "It's an injustice," said Christen Shank, a 22-year-old student and smoker. "Smokers have rights, too." The college will soon close the fence after residents of Princeton Place and the surrounding neighborhood complained of loitering, littering and mischief by smokers congregating on the cul-de-sac after they were forced off school property when the college instituted a tobacco-free policy on its campuses last August. (Gazette)
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins will testify today along with several state and federal officials at a hearing on immigration enforcement called by the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Homeland Security. The hearing will focus on an agreement between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local police agencies, known as 287(g), to enforce federal immigration laws. Jenkins said he was notified by the homeland security committee last week. He confirmed Friday that he would appear. (Frederick News Post)
Robberies Spike Near GW Campus
Ashley Bonanno was just a few blocks from her Thurston Hall room when she heard someone running up behind her. Walking home alone from work, the freshman quickly realized a man was approaching her, and he wanted her purse. When she struggled for it, he raised his fist and told her to let go. He grabbed the bag and took off running. (The Hatchet)
