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Books and literary gifts for that newly minted graduate 05/22/2021 10:40pm • If you have a smart young graduate in your life, a book always seems like a thoughtful gift. But, you shouldn't buy just any old book, says Ron Charles of the Washington Post's Book Club. In his most recent newsletter, he notes that there are better options than the nostalgic "Oh, the Places You' Recent gas shortage triggers rash of 'check engine' lights 05/22/2021 04:27pm • More drivers may be seeing a "check engine" warning light pop up on their vehicle dashboard these days, following recent long lines and shortages at D.C.-area gas stations. Mechanic Alex Chester said an unusually high number of customers have come in recently, concerned about the engine trouble l Amtrak offers fare sale for students 05/19/2021 01:03pm • Amtrak’s latest fare sale is for high school and college students planning a summer trip or returning home, or back to campus this fall. Students between 17 and 24 can get 15% off travel throughout Amtrak’s nationwide network, including the Northeast corridor. The offer is valid through Dec. Should You Take Out a Student Loan for an Apprenticeship? 05/19/2021 12:00am • For recent high school graduates or others exploring higher education, apprenticeships are a viable alternative to a traditional bachelor's degree. An apprenticeship can be invaluable to students pursuing certain careers because they allow for "learn by doing" hands-on experience. Also noteworthy: Travel Advisor vs. Travel Agent: What's the Difference and Do You Need One? 05/19/2021 12:00am • In early 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the closures of international borders and stay-at-home orders became the norm, many travelers were left scrambling. Along with expensive rebooking and cancellation fees, travelers were faced with long lines at borders and even longer wait times wi Loudoun Co. hopes US Route 50 speed signs, fines will put brakes on barreling through Aldie 05/18/2021 02:12pm • A new speed study shows most drivers are blowing through Aldie, at least 13 miles over the speed limit. (WTOP/Neal Augenstein) U.S. Route 50, stretching from Sacramento, California, to Ocean City, Maryland, has a lot of different looks and feels, including highway speed limits. Route 50 throu 64% of Northern Va. residents have had at least 1 COVID-19 shot 05/18/2021 06:36am • As health officials continue to help residents across the D.C. region access the vaccine, there’s still some work to do. Dr. Danny Avula, Virginia's vaccine coordinator, said about 38% of adults in Northern Virginia are considered fully vaccinated as of Tuesday. Around 64% have had at least one The Ultimate Guide to REITs 05/18/2021 12:00am • A real estate investment trust, or REIT, is a company that owns, operates or finances income-producing real estate. This is often done by pooling investors' money to buy and possibly manage commercial or residential buildings. The company then collects rent from its tenants and passes that income o Montgomery Co. warns residents rat infestations could follow in wake of Brood X cicadas 05/13/2021 08:26pm • As if being invaded by cicadas wasn't enough, Montgomery County, Maryland, is now warning residents that a wave of rats could follow in the wake of the onslaught of bugs. County health officials warned that once the cicadas begin to die off, rats that had become accustomed to the readily-availabl Free timed National Zoo passes available starting Friday before next week's reopening 05/13/2021 03:09pm • Even though the Smithsonian's National Zoo won't reopen for another week, people looking forward to visiting the zoo for the first time since it closed Nov. 23, 2020, can go online Friday, May 14, to get the free, timed-entry passes which will be required, when the zoo reopens. When the zoo gates DC region home prices hit record, sales still brisk 05/12/2021 09:02am • Despite another month of record home prices in the D.C. metro area, homes continue to sell at the fastest pace on record. Listing service Bright MLS reports the median price of a home that sold in the D.C. region in April was $550,000, an all-time high. Homes that sold last month went under contr Texas House OK's Republican-backed voting bill in key vote 05/07/2021 07:07am • ▶ Watch Video: Republican lawmakers in Florida and Texas look to change state voting laws Republicans in the Texas House of Representatives moved a big step closer early Friday to making Texas the latest GOP-controlled state to pass sweeping election law changes. The lawmakers advanced Northam plans to lift Va. capacity restrictions June 15 05/06/2021 12:28pm • Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam said he is planning to lift all capacity limitations for businesses on June 15 if the current trend of falling COVID-19 case numbers continues. Northam made his announcement at a news briefing Thursday. “If our COVID case numbers keep trending down and our vaccina 10 Best Money-Saving Apps 05/06/2021 12:00am • Save on bills and everyday purchases with these apps.There's never a bad time to save money, but it may be especially important right now for households that saw their income disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While money-saving apps may not be able to replace a paycheck, they do offer an easy way Continuing History of Nurses on the Front Lines 05/06/2021 12:00am • RNs at the forefrontNurses are being rightfully hailed for their steadfast commitment to patient care in the era of COVID-19. But the pandemic is far from the first time nurses have served on the front lines -- and it won't be the last. (Eventually look for nurses providing patient care in space.) H