The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
House Passes $819 Billion Economic Stimulus
With no Republican support, the House approved an $819 billion stimulus plan that will serve as the cornerstone of President Obama's efforts to resuscitate the economy, an early victory for the new president but still a disappointment because of the lack of Republican votes. (Washington Post)
Buyers Storm Stores for Winter Supplies
Boots, ice scrapers, windshield wiper fluid, ice melt and tires were hot items Tuesday morning as people tried to cope with falling snow and predictions of more to come. Ice scrapers sold out at the Fredericktowne Chevron gas station and convenience store on West Patrick Street, and there's always a run on milk when snow is predicted, salesman Sayed Helal said. (Frederick News Post)
Starbucks to Cut 6,700 Jobs, Close 300 Stores
Starbucks Corp. said Wednesday that it would cut as many as 6,700 jobs as it closes hundreds more stores and eliminates more positions at its corporate headquarters. Faced with slowing demand for lattes and cappuccinos because of the recession, Starbucks plans to close 300 stores, including 200 in the United States, and eliminate about 6,000 store jobs. The company also plans to eliminate about 700 corporate jobs, including about 350 at its corporate headquarters in Seattle. (MSNBC)
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Loudoun School Board Approves Budget, Freezes Salaries
Class sizes would not increase next year, but neither would school employees' salaries, under a plan approved Jan. 27 by the School Board. These measures were part of the School Board's budget for next year for Loudoun County Public Schools. The budget, which passed by a 8-1 vote, next will go to the Board of Supervisors for consideration. (Loudoun Times)
Presidential Helicopter Significantly Over Budget
The Navy formally informed Congress on Wednesday that the new presidential helicopter now in development is significantly over budget. The estimated price of the chopper program, built by Lockheed Martin and its European partner, AgustaWestland, has almost doubled over the last three years, from $6.1 billion to $11.2 billion.(The Hill)
Family Surprised With Home Renovations
When the Lon family returned to their Germantown home Sunday after a week in a hotel, they expected to find a rehabbed bathroom and laundry room, maybe a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Instead, they walked into a whole new house and a new way of life. (Gazette.net)
