Exciting news for DC-area giant panda fans - Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Top News from WTOP

TOP NEWS | May 30, 2024 [Web version](   [Giant pandas are coming back to the Smithsonian National Zoo]( Two new pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao, will be transported to the zoo by the end of the year as part of a new agreement with the Chinese that runs through April 2034. [READ MORE](   [Culpeper family describes being picked up and thrown by tornado]( “I just thought it was a regular lightning storm, and then I heard a big whistle, like a train,” Lawrence Johnson said, as he, his wife and three kids were in a large shed when a tornado swept through parts of Virginia. [READ MORE](   ADVERTISEMENT [The right bank can change outcomes]( Freedom Bank's Government Contracting team offers flexible, accessible services tailored to your unique goals. We have the expertise to help you obtain capital, mobilize expenses for new contract awards and leverage buy-outs and acquisitions. Whether you are part of an emerging 8(a) or SDVOSB or an established contractor competing on full and open contracts, we're here to help you.   [Former top fire official in Prince George's, Alexandria picked to lead Montgomery Co. fire department]( County Executive Marc Elrich has nominated Corey Smedley to lead Montgomery County's fire department. He brings over 33 years of fire service experience following his tenure in the Army Reserve. [READ MORE](   [Loudoun Co. proposes 4 extra student days off so teachers can finish required trainings]( The latest proposal, presented to the county's school board, involves closing school on a few days that the school district considers “stand-alone days” -- days that fall in between weekends and holidays. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by American Gas Association [Research shows no connection between asthma and gas stoves]( A study funded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published in the Lancet medical journal in February found no association between heating and cooking with natural gas stoves and asthma in children or adults.   [Should you forgo a home inspection to win a bid on a home?]( “There's a lot of risk of just moving forward without having some level of review of the condition of the house,” said Eldad Moraru, a D.C.-area realtor with Compass Realty. [READ MORE](   [DC is more popular than ever - if you don't live here]( D.C.'s popularity with out of town visitors is growing; tourism in the capital has surpassed the old record set in 2019 before the pandemic. [READ MORE](   EVENT [Federal News Network's Cloud Exchange 2024 | Register now]( Are civilian agencies across the government cloud-smart? How are they taking advantage of cloud to deliver digital services and improve mission deliverables? Find out during our exclusive event June 25 and 26.   [‘Gateway to culture': How Rasa owners are using their experiences to make Indian food more accessible]( Growing up in the D.C. area, Sahil Rahman and Rahul Vinod had the idea to open an Indian fast-casual restaurant. They cofounded a fast-casual concept, Rasa, that now has five locations. [READ MORE](   [‘Just to live their life': Volunteer engineers are matched with people who need adaptive devices]( Volunteers for Medical Engineering is an organization that links engineers with students who work on projects for clients with a range of needs, such as adaptive work tools, modified sports equipment or even customized cribs. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by I-66 Express Mobility Partners [Private investment, public benefits: Celebrating the success of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway project]( The 66 Express is fulfilling its promise to move more people, goods, and services more efficiently along the busy I-66 corridor, while providing new travel options for all.   [WTOP's Wedding Week: Tips for DC-area couples from a luxury wedding photographer]( A luxury wedding photographer has some advice for couples who want iconic engagement or wedding pictures: ditch the trends and trust the artist. [READ MORE](   [Go behind the scenes to see how a one-of-a-kind engagement ring is crafted]( From sketching a design to casting a mold to forging your one-of-one ring with molten metal, making an engagement band is a lot more complex and involved than you think. [READ MORE](   PARTNERSHIP [May We Say Thank You 2024]( Join Federal News Network and NARFE in thanking the dedicated federal employees and contractors who work tirelessly day in and day out in their efforts to serve our communities.   [DC Council considers naming city's official amphibian]( If the bill becomes law, the official state amphibian would take its place alongside other official D.C. symbols, such as the Wood thrush, the Scarlett oak, and the cherry. [READ MORE](   [Fraley on Frehley: Former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley joins WTOP as solo tour rocks Hollywood Casino]( WTOP's Jason Fraley caught up with the iconic lead guitarist of the classic metal band KISS, Ace Frehley, ahead of his show at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races on June 15. [READ MORE](   Sponsored by Amentum [How the IC and industry support one another]( For industry and the intelligence community, the question is how to speed up procurement and move new technologies and processes into IC operations.   PARTNERSHIP [Let the games begin! The 32nd Annual Giant BBQ Battle is back]( Get ready for the BBQ Summer Games XXXII - June 22 - 23 on historic Pennsylvania Avenue   [Check out the latest weather forecast]( [Click here for the latest traffic updates]( [Visit WTOP's Podcast Center]( Download and listen to podcasts created by WTOP and our partners CONNECT WITH WTOP [facebook]( [twitter]( [linkedin]( [instagram]( EVERYTHING YOU NEED EVERY TIME YOU LISTEN [DOWNLOAD THE WTOP APP]( [Click here to manage your newsletter preferences.]( This email and the accompanying website are not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. [Unsubscribe](  | [Contact us.](