The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
House Freezes Pay Raise for 2010
House lawmakers moved Wednesday to freeze their automatic pay hike next year by voting to debate the omnibus spending bill.
Republicans, in an unusual move, mostly voted for the Democratic rule governing debate because they didn’t want to be targeted by campaign ads that they voted in favor of raising their pay. (The Hill)
McCain Fails to Nix D.C. Voting Rights
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., tried unsuccessfully Wednesday afternoon to kill legislation to give the District full voting rights in Congress. Mr. McCain called for a constitutional point of order to question the legality of giving the District voting rights. The vote failed 36-62. (Washington Times)
Restaurant Guns Bill Heads to Kaine's Office
A bill to allow those with concealed-carry permits to take hidden guns into restaurants as long as they don't drink is on its way to the governor, who has rejected it before. The Senate voted 22-16 Wednesday to send Sen. Emmett Hanger's bill to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who vetoed it last year. (AP/WTOP)
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
Health Department Still Looking for People Exposed to Rabid Cat
The Frederick County Health Department is still looking for anyone who may have had contact with a rabid cat in the Thurmont area last week. The department has not received any calls from residents regarding the cat, which was dropped off near the intersection of Wilhide Road and Blacks Mill Road on Feb. 6. The cat, a male, is approximately 6 months old and gray with white paws, chest and underbelly. It tested positive for rabies at the health department. (Frederick News-Post)
Md. Man Arrested for Shining Laser at News Helicopter
A Silver Spring man who shined a laser pointer at a news helicopter was arrested this morning, Montgomery County Police said. Officers responded to the home of Gary Wort, 57, at about 6:42 a.m. They found him holding the laser that he shined at the passing helicopter because it annoyed him, police said; he then shined it in an officer's face. (Washington Post)
