LaDawn Black
Baltimore
Media Personality, Comms Pro, Writer, Penguin Random House Author, Voice Artist & Mom of 3 Amazing Humans info@ladawnblack.net
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Articles by LaDawn Black
Fairfax Co. events allow residents to step back in time this fall for free
Residents in Fairfax County, Virginia, can step back in time for free with guided tours of historic sites and a new challenge that lets visitors explore the county’s past at their own pace. The Fairfax County Park Authority announced that it will offer two free ways to explore local history as part of Fairfax250, the county’s commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Former Md. police officer sentenced after judge says shooting followed ‘nonthreatening’ encounter
A former Bowie, Maryland, police sergeant was sentenced to 30 years in prison for a September 2024 shooting along Collington Road. Robert Warrington, 37, will serve all but 18 months of that sentence on home detention, followed by five years of supervised probation, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson said. Warrington was convicted in May of attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office.
Fairfax County may restore dedicated high school crossing guards after budget cuts
Dedicated crossing guards at Fairfax County high schools could return after county officials proposed restoring funding that was cut from the fiscal 2027 budget. The positions were eliminated during the county’s budget process last spring after officials said data, research and police reviews showed the change could be made safely. Officials also noted Fairfax County was the only Northern Virginia jurisdiction providing crossing guards at high schools.
Federal judge grants Silver Spring synagogue’s request for preliminary injunction in gun case
This article was written by WTOP’s news partner Bethesda Today and republished with permission. Sign up for Bethesda Today’s free email subscription today. A federal judge on Thursday ordered Montgomery County not to enforce its ban on guns in public spaces against Rabbi Menashe Shapiro or the Silver Spring Jewish Center at their houses of worship while their challenge to the law is underway.
Virginia rolls out more secure EBT cards to curb SNAP benefit theft
This article was reprinted with permission from Virginia Mercury. Virginia is replacing traditional food-assistance benefit cards with chip-enabled versions designed to make it harder for thieves to steal SNAP benefits from families. About 749,000 state residents receive assistance through the program. Gov.
Upper Marlboro woman charged in fatal Northwest DC hit-and-run
A Maryland woman has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter months after a hit-and-run crash killed a pedestrian in Foggy Bottom, according to D.C. police. Shaneia Gregnesia Lincoln, 34, of Upper Marlboro, was arrested Monday on a D.C. Superior Court warrant, the MPD said. Members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force took her into custody.
Commanders envision loud new DC stadium built to draw fans, players and major events
The Washington Commanders want their planned stadium at the former RFK Stadium site to deliver an imposing home-field advantage while becoming a destination for fans, players and some of the world’s biggest sporting events. In an interview with Bloomberg Sports, Commanders President Mark Clouse said the team’s vision is for a venue designed specifically for the nation’s capital — one that fits into the fabric of the District and stands alongside the city’s monuments.
Commanders envision loud new DC stadium built to draw fans, players and major events
The Washington Commanders want their planned stadium at the former RFK Stadium site to deliver an imposing home-field advantage while becoming a destination for fans, players and some of the world’s biggest sporting events. In an interview with Bloomberg Sports, Commanders President Mark Clouse said the team’s vision is for a venue designed specifically for the nation’s capital — one that fits into the fabric of the District and stands alongside the city’s monuments.
Fairfax Co. schools to roll out tap-to-ride system on school buses
Fairfax County’s public school system is rolling out card readers that students will tap as they board and exit their school buses beginning this fall. The new system will look familiar to regular bus riders, but students will be using new ID cards instead of fare cards, and each tap will help the district track students on their way to and from school. Fairfax schools will distribute the ID cards beginning in the 2026-27 school year as part of a system-wide transportation modernization effort.
Fairfax Co. special education teacher charged after alleged inappropriate contact with student
A Fairfax County Public Schools special education teacher has been charged after investigators said he had unlawful and inappropriate contact with a student. School administrators at Cooper Middle School were notified June 4 about concerns involving a teacher’s behavior, according to Fairfax County police. Detectives with the department’s Child Abuse Squad took over the investigation.
Culpeper couple charged in hammer and leaf blower attack on elderly neighbor
A 73-year-old Culpeper man suffered a skull fracture, concussion and possible permanent injuries following a July 17 attack by his neighbors over a property dispute, according to police. Officers responded to the 1100 block of Oakmont Court at 9 a.m. for a fight and found the victim unconscious inside his home, bruised and bleeding from multiple lacerations, the Culpeper Police Department said in a news release.
Cold front brings storm chances south of DC Wednesday
A cold front is expected to slowly drift across the D.C. area Wednesday, bringing partly sunny skies and a chance for showers and thunderstorms into the evening. According to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Steve Rudin, a few storms could be stronger across Southern Maryland and the Northern Neck. Farther north and west of the District, including Western Maryland and the Interstate 81 corridor, rain chances will be much lower.
Hit-and-run on I-295 leaves pedestrian dead; police search for green SUV
A woman was killed in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 295 in Southeast D.C. early Monday, and police are searching for the driver who allegedly fled the scene. Officers responded at about 3:30 a.m. to a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the southbound lanes of I-295 near Pennsylvania Avenue SE, according to D.C. police. Police said officers found a woman suffering from critical injuries after she was struck by a vehicle.
DC Council asks governors to recall National Guard troops
Members of the D.C. Council are asking both the governors of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Michigan to recall National Guard personnel deployed to the District, following the conclusion of the July Fourth and America 250 celebrations. Reporter Rebecca Turco, of WTOP’s news partner 7News, posted a copy of the Michigan letter on X sent to Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on July 9, thanking the Michigan National Guard for helping protect residents and visitors during the holiday events.
DC police announce weekend youth curfew zone near RFK Stadium
D.C. police have established a youth curfew zone around the RFK Stadium area for this weekend, restricting groups of juveniles from gathering there during evening hours. The Metropolitan Police Department said the zone will be in effect from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12.
Steamy Saturday brings showers, thunderstorm chances to the DC area
Keep the umbrella handy Saturday night: A steamy day across the D.C. area could give way to evening rain. Isolated showers will be pouring into the region during the evening hours. Temperatures will fall to the upper 60s to low 70s. Rain is expected to stop around midnight. Nice weather returns on Sunday with less humid air settling into the region. There will be hazy skies with a few clouds. Because of the low humidity, highs will be in the 80s.
Steamy Saturday brings showers, thunderstorm chances to the DC area - WTOP News
Keep the umbrella handy Saturday: A steamy day across the D.C. area could bring showers and thunderstorms before another storm chance arrives in the …
Rockville man sentenced after setting fire that trapped 4 people inside apartment
A Rockville, Maryland, man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to setting fire to an occupied Montgomery Village apartment in 2025. Robert Simms, 36, was sentenced Thursday in Montgomery County Circuit Court to 45 years, with all but 25 years suspended, followed by five years of supervised probation. Simms pleaded guilty Feb. 5 to attempted first-degree murder and three counts of reckless endangerment.
Virginia to appeal judge’s ruling blocking assault weapons ban
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said the state will appeal after a judge blocked enforcement of the state’s assault weapons ban just days before it was set to take effect.
Virginia giraffe calves, missing since 2025, found safe Original
Virginia Attorney General’s Office says missing giraffe calves linked to the Natural Bridge Zoo have been located and placed in a facility that specializes in giraffe care. According to the attorney general’s office, the calves disappeared in 2025 and were found following an extensive investigation. Officials said the animals have been safely relocated and are receiving appropriate medical and behavioral care.
Virginia giraffe calves, missing since 2025, found safe
Virginia Attorney General’s Office says missing giraffe calves linked to the Natural Bridge Zoo have been located and placed in a facility that specializes in giraffe care. According to the attorney general’s office, the calves disappeared in 2025 and were found following an extensive investigation. Officials said the animals have been safely relocated and are receiving appropriate medical and behavioral care.
Final defendant sentenced in near $32M counterfeit coupon scheme run from Virginia Beach home
The final defendant has been sentenced in a sprawling counterfeit coupon operation run out of a Virginia Beach home that federal prosecutors say caused nearly $32 million in losses to retailers and manufacturers nationwide. Sherise Williams, 40, of Palmetto, Florida, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison for mail fraud for her role in the scheme.
More than 10,000 pounds of marijuana bound for England seized at Port of Baltimore
A massive marijuana shipment bound for Europe was intercepted at the Port of Baltimore after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered more than 10,000 pounds of the drug hidden inside a shipping container. According to a news release, CBP officers seized about five tons of marijuana on May 29 after inspecting a 40-foot shipping container that had been shipped from Nassau County, New York, and was destined for Liverpool, England.
Pedestrian dies after early morning crash on GW Parkway
A pedestrian has died after being struck by a vehicle early Saturday on the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway near Columbia Island, according to the U.S. Park Police. Officers responded to the crash around 4 a.m. after receiving a report of a pedestrian who had been hit on the parkway. Police said the driver remained at the scene and called 911. The pedestrian was taken by Arlington County Fire and Rescue to a local hospital in critical condition, where they later died.
Woman dies after late-night Capitol Heights shooting
A woman died after a shooting late Friday in Capitol Heights, according to the Prince George’s County Police Department. Officers responded just after 11 p.m. to the 1400 block of Doewood Lane, south of Addison Road. When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died. Police have not released additional details about the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact Prince George’s County Crime Solvers.
Body of missing swimmer identified after body recovered in Potomac near Great Falls
Search crews have identified the person who was found in the Potomac River near Great Falls Tuesday afternoon as a man who had been missing since Sunday after going swimming in the water. Nazir Bell, 20, a Towson University student who graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, was recovered from the river Tuesday afternoon, according to Montgomery County Fire & Rescue.
Body of missing swimmer identified after body recovered in Potomac near Great Falls
Search crews have identified the person who was found in the Potomac River near Great Falls Tuesday afternoon as a man who had been missing since Sunday after going swimming in the water. Nazir Bell, 20, a Towson University student who graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, was recovered from the river Tuesday afternoon, according to Montgomery County Fire & Rescue.
NTSB says high rate of speed factored into deadly I-95 bus crash in Stafford Original
A high rate of speed played a role in a bus failing to slow for traffic approaching a work zone on Interstate 95 near Quantico and crashing into six vehicles early Friday, killing five and injuring dozens, according to NTSB. NTSB member Tom Chapman said in a news conference Saturday that they’re still in the early phases of the investigation and are not ready to provide any conclusions, but confirmed that the bus was traveling at a high rate of speed.
NTSB says high rate of speed factored into deadly I-95 bus crash in Stafford Co.; bus driver charged
A high rate of speed played a role in a bus failing to slow for traffic approaching a work zone on Interstate 95 in Virginia and crashing into six vehicles early Friday, killing five and injuring dozens, according to NTSB. NTSB member Tom Chapman said in a news conference Saturday that they’re still in the early phases of the investigation and are not ready to provide any conclusions, but confirmed that the bus was traveling at a high rate of speed.
Historic DC building with highway ramp inside sells for $17M
The historic Liberty Loan Building in Southwest D.C. has been sold to a Virginia business executive for $17 million, according to deed records. The General Services Administration said the deal will remove a costly, underused federal asset from its books. The 1918 building at 401 14th St. SW spans about 174,000 square feet on a 2.76-acre property overlooking the Tidal Basin. It is perhaps best known for the traffic ramp from Maine Avenue to Interstate 395 that runs through it.
$466 million in improvements coming to Union Station
The federal government will invest nearly $466 million in improvements at Washington Union Station, with the funding aimed at structural repairs, passenger upgrades and security improvements, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced Thursday.
DC police announce youth curfew zone for U Street Corridor
D.C. police have announced a juvenile curfew zone for the U Street Corridor this weekend. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an emergency order last week that allows the D.C. police chief to create curfew zones in response to teen takeovers and youth crime within certain quadrants of the city. Police said the curfew zone covers the U Street Corridor and will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Here’s what areas are included in the U Street Corridor juvenile curfew zone.
Loudoun schools say Title IX probe opened over alleged restroom recordings at Freedom High
Loudoun County Public Schools said it has been notified that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has opened a Title IX investigation into allegations of unauthorized recordings in school restrooms at Freedom High School.
Loudoun Co. schools say Title IX probe opened over alleged restroom recordings at Freedom High
Loudoun County Public Schools said it has been notified that the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has opened a Title IX investigation into allegations of unauthorized recordings in school restrooms at Freedom High School.
‘Shopping cart killer’ sentenced to life in prison for 2021 murders
Anthony Eugene Robinson, also known as the “shopping cart killer,” was sentenced Friday to life in prison for the 2021 murders of two women in Harrisonburg, Virginia, whose bodies he transported in a shopping cart and concealed in an undeveloped lot. Last year, Robinson was convicted of murdering 54-year-old Allene “Beth” Redmon and 39-year-old Tonita Lorice Smith in a Harrisonburg motel room in the fall of 2021.
Man accused of hurling keg through Georgetown Cupcake window turned in after father recognized him
The Rockville, Maryland, man accused of throwing a beer keg through the front window of Georgetown Cupcake in D.C. last week was identified by his father from a police alert and later turned himself in, according to court documents. Police said 28-year-old Charles Joseph Ali was arrested Thursday on a felony destruction of property charge.
Search for suspect who threw beer keg through Georgetown bakery window in Northwest DC
Police are searching for a male suspect accused of throwing a beer keg through the front window of a Georgetown bakery late Sunday night, leaving significant damage but no reported injuries. According to D.C. police, officers responded shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday to a report of property damage at Georgetown Cupcake at the corner of 33rd Street and M Street Northwest. When officers arrived, they found the front window at the business fully shattered and observed a gray keg inside the store.
South Capitol Street reopens; ‘barricade situation’ remains after man scales Frederick Douglass Bridge
A person on top of the Frederick Douglass Bridge sets up a tent on Friday, May 1, 2026 (Courtesy Marideth Joy Sandler via X) A person scales the Frederick Douglass Bridge in D.C. on Friday, May 1, 2026. (Courtesy Marideth Joy Sandler via X) A man scales one of the arches of the Frederick Douglass Bridge in D.C. on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Woman found dead overnight in Prince George’s Co. park
Police are investigating a homicide after a woman was found dead late Tuesday night at a park in Temple Hills, Maryland. Officers with the Maryland-National Capital Park Police and the Prince George’s County Police Department arrived at Oxon Run Community Park at around 10:20 p.m., park police said. They were responding to a report of an unresponsive woman.
Developers drop appeal of zoning decision on Digital Gateway project
This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partner InsideNoVa.com. Sign up for InsideNoVa.com’s free email subscription today.
America 250: The helicopter’s impact on the US military
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, WTOP presents “250 Years of America,” a multipart series examining the innovations, breakthroughs and pivotal moments that have shaped the nation since 1776. HII is proud to partner with WTOP to bring you this series. Few inventions altered the trajectory of the U.S. military as profoundly as the helicopter.
Maryland high school sports group adds girls flag football as championship sport
Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association voted unanimously to add girls flag football as a state championship sport starting in the 2026-2027 school year, making it the organization’s 26th sport offering. The MPSSAA Board of Control approved the move, and Maryland Superintendent of Schools Carey Wright signed off, the association said. The first MPSSAA season will include three state tournament classifications based on school enrollment. Practice is set to begin Aug.
DC police set juvenile curfew zone around Navy Yard this weekend
D.C. police announced a juvenile curfew zone around the Navy Yard that will be in effect Saturday and Sunday nights, citing a mayoral order that allows the chief to restrict large youth gatherings deemed a public safety risk. The department did not detail a specific incident behind the decision, but said the order is intended to give police a tool to break up large youth gatherings before they escalate.
Santana Moss hosts clinic for kids with disabilities in Southeast DC
Santana Moss pictured with one of the students who attended his football clinic on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (WTOP / Jimmy Alexander) Students run a drill at the Santana Moss football clinic for children and young adults with special needs. (WTOP / Jimmy Alexander) Learning both life and football skills on a Saturday. (WTOP / Jimmy Alexander) Student runs a drill at Santana Moss football clinic for children and young adults with special needs.
Downtown Baltimore’s Tribe Social Cafe blends art, culture and crab croissants
Before the first sip of coffee or bite of shrimp and crab croissant, the atmosphere at Tribe Social Cafe in downtown Baltimore makes an impression. Bright artwork stretches across the walls; books and locally made goods fill the shelves; and cozy seating invites visitors to settle in and stay awhile. Part gallery, part coffee shop and part community lounge, Tribe, which celebrated its grand opening at 233 E. Redwood St. on March 20, is more than a typical cafe.
‘Our attention is on supporting one another’: Family of Dr. Cerina Fairfax asks for privacy, space after shooting
Flowers lay at the front door of Dr. Cerina Fairfax, was was killed by her husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, in a murder-suicide Thursday, April 16, 2026.(WTOP/Dan Ronan) Flowers lay at the front door of Dr. Cerina Fairfax, was was killed by her husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov.
Sherri Shepherd wants people to ‘Make It Make Sense’
Shepherd told WTOP that social media has become her go-to source for free advice. (WTOP/ LaDawn Black) Shepherd also reflected on her career milestones, including receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (WTOP/ LaDawn Black) Sherri Shepherd excited about talking dating and new projects with WTOP’s Ralph Fox. (WTOP/ LaDawn Black) Shepherd mentioned an upcoming film she executive produced with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts.
DC man sentenced to 18 years for 2021 shooting of innocent bystander
A D.C. man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for a deadly 2021 shooting that killed an innocent bystander. Dearay Wilson, 30, pleaded guilty in February to second-degree murder while armed, according to a release from the Department of Justice on Friday. Judge Neal E. Kravitz sentenced Wilson to 18 years behind bars, followed by five years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a gun offender.
Frustration with the future of the US on display at ‘No Kings’ rallies around DC region
Thousands braved the chilly weather Saturday to join the “No Kings” rally. (WTOP/Jimmy Alexander) In previous editions, people either gathered in large cities or in their own communities in small demonstrations calling for “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.” (WTOP/Jimmy Alexander) Saturday’s protests included chanting, singing and handmade signs. (WTOP/Jimmy Alexander) The rallies, dubbed “No Kings,” brought together thousands of people in multiple locations around the D.C. region.
BWI Marshall Airport says you should arrive this early if you’re flying out this weekend
Travel success at BWI Marshall Airport now comes with a preflight arrival time of three hours this weekend. The three-hour allotment was suggested by the airport in a new update on Sunday, a day after the major travel hub urged travelers to bookmark four hours in order to account for serious delays at security checkpoints. “Checkpoint wait times have improved greatly, but remain longer than normal,” reads a notice.
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