Compiled by Genet Lakew
Metro Editor
What’s Been Happening in D.C. Since School Ended?
Wondering what events and developments have happened since the end of the semester? Here’s a look at some of the things that have been going on in the District over the past few weeks.
President Obama Draws Excitement, Business After Visiting Local Burger Joints
After his January visit to U Street’s famous Ben’s Chilli Bowl for a half smoke with D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, President Barack Obama has the city buzzing after being cited at local burger joints. Most recently, Obama made a run to a Five Guys on M Street close to the Nationals Park stadium. This time, he was accompanied by anchor Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News. On a previous trip several weeks ago, Vice President Joe Biden and Obama ventured to Arlington, Va. for lunch at Ray’s Hell Burger. All of these restaurants have enjoyed the excitement of the president’s presence but also report a rise in business and customers after Obama’s visits. According to NBC, Ray’s Hell Burger saw a 25-35% increase in business. First Lady Michelle Obama has taken members of her staff on a Five Guys outing as well.
22,000 District Youth Successfully Receive Job Placements Through the SYEP
This year, 22, 076 young people applied to participate in the 2009 D.C. Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). One month before the program is slated to begin, all applicants have been granted and assigned positions to work in various District offices throughout the summer. The nine-week SYEP operates from June 18 until August 21, with the intent of strengthening youth’s work experience and academic enrichment. According to a press release from the Mayor’s office, participants ages 14-21 will work jobs in the federal government, District agencies and private sector companies. This summer, District youth will have an opportunity to develop professional and workplace skills at the White House, the Washington Hospital Center, American University, and the Washington Times, among other sites.
New Md. Driving Rules Bar Illegal Immigrants From Obtaining a Driver’s License
Illegal immigrants in Maryland will no longer be allowed to obtain driver’s licenses. Applicants must provide appropriate documents to prove legal residency in the country in order to successfully receive driving licenses. At the Department of Motor Vehicles, lines were longer than usual and confusions ran high. Many immigrants rushed there in hopes of getting the right to drive before the deadline. However, because legislative changes were made at the last minute, there was a misconception that potential drivers could procure driving permits until June 1 and then use those permits to later get a license. But the newly mandated rules state that ID cards and permits granted after April 19 cannot be used to obtain future licenses.
Silver Spring Students Quarantined for Swine Flu During China Trip
Last week, students and teachers from a Md. high school were quarantined at their hotel rooms in fear of swine flu during an educational trip to China. The 21 students and three teachers were of the Barrie School, a private institution in Silver Spring, Md. The Chinese government ordered the travelers to a five day quarantine because a passenger on the group’s flight from San Francisco to Hong Kong complained of a fever. Later, it was confirmed that passenger did not have swine flu but the quarantine continued until Friday, while the group was slated to return to the U.S. on Sunday. The students traveled to China for an “extended study week” for a deeper study of Mao Zedong.
Fairfax County, Va. Sues Krispy Kreme for Sewer System Damage
A Krispy Kreme plant located in Lorton, Va. is being sued by Fairfax County to repair damaged sewer pipes. According to the county, the materials the local plant uses to produce some 83 million doughnuts a year have clogged and damaged the pipes. When confronted with a $1.9 million bill for repairs, Krispy Kreme denied the charges and refused to pay. In a civil suit, Fairfax County hopes to gain what it feels is deserved in order to clean up the mess Krispy Kreme has made. In response, the doughnut company released a statement, saying that it has “occupied the Lorton location for more than four years and during that period of time has been over 99 percent compliant with all permits.”
Compiled By- Genet Lakew
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