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New tax on phone lines in Prince George’s County are simpler, but is it cheaper? 04/29/2025 09:05pm • The Prince George’s County Council gave final approval to a plan that will substantially change how taxes are collected on phone lines, including how much money is collected. On a 7-3 vote, the council approved the elimination of the 9% sales tax on phone lines to a $3.50 excise tax. On the one Data Doctors: Best smartwatches for Android users 04/11/2025 10:57am • Q: Could you provide some guidance for buying a smartwatch to go with my Android smartphone? There are just too many choices! A: Smartwatches can be a great companion to your Android phone, but narrowing down your options starts with identifying what you want to get out of it. Are you looking Car Review: Santa Fe SUV thinks of everything, looks wild 04/04/2025 07:03am • The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy is an SUV that has some of the DNA of a Land Rover Defender and a mix of a little Cybertruck styling. (WTOP/John Aaron) What happens when you “borrow” some of the DNA of a Land Rover Defender, and maybe mix in a little Cybertruck styling to boot? The resul What’s the safest WiFi at the airport? It’s probably in your pocket 03/17/2025 11:21am • With peak summer travel season coming, a Virginia Tech cybersecurity expert wants to remind travelers that they are swimming in a tank full of hacking sharks at the airport. And they're vulnerable. “There are lots of other things to focus on. Delays, other legs of the trip and what you’re goi Car Review: Nissan Altima gains optional AWD for 2025 making the midsize sedan relevant again 03/03/2025 04:49am • The Nissan Altima stays relevant in the midsize sedan class with added AWD for 2025. (WTOP/Mike Parris) The Altima sedan has been a stalwart for Nissan for over a decade, and in 2025, it will add capability to help boost sales in the crossover-dominated marketplace. Nissan still believes in the mids 'It's more than just a campus': Virginia Tech Innovation Campus gets ready for official opening 02/25/2025 06:05pm • It's an 11-story, 300,000-square-foot academic building — the biggest Virginia Tech has anywhere in the Commonwealth — and after years of planning and construction, school leaders are finally getting ready to cut the ribbon this week. On Tuesday, Virginia Tech hosted a tour showing off th Data Doctors: Using your smartphone via satellite 02/14/2025 04:43pm • Q: Is there any reason I shouldn't sign up for T-Mobile's free satellite service if I have Verizon? A: If you've ever been in a remote area with no cell service, you know the limitations of being completely cut off. Whether it's a backcountry hike, a road trip through the mountains, or an emergen Data Doctors: Debunking AirDrop and Apple Pay security myths 01/31/2025 06:37pm • Q: Could you explain the dangers of credit cards in your Apple Wallet and AirDrop? A: A viral video on TikTok last year declared the dangers of having AirDrop activated on iPhones, while other videos pointed to Apple Pay as another security risk. The lingering impact of this bad advice is that DC legislation hopes to cut doomscrolling distractions in classrooms 01/28/2025 11:54am • Less TikTok and texting, and more history and geometry could be coming for D.C. students as legislation is proposing a ban on cellphones for D.C. public and charter schools. Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto introduced the "Heads Up! Distraction-Free Learning Amendment Act of 2025" on Monday. Data Doctors: Tips for organizing messy computer cables 01/03/2025 04:00pm • Q: What are the best options for getting all the computer cables under my desk under control? A: If tackling the tangled mess of cables under your desk is a New Year's resolution, the key is strategic planning to know what accessories will work best. Do the math The first consideration is the n Formal cellphone policy vote by Prince William Co. School Board expected on Dec. 4 11/12/2024 10:03am • Prince William County Public Schools' cellphone pilot appears to be working well, school officials told the School Board at its Nov. 6 meeting, as the board considers what its formal cellphone policy will be in the new year. The division expanded a cellphone pilot program to all middle and high s College Football Corner: Chill of November meets Virginia Tech and Navy on the road 11/03/2024 12:50pm • Dave Preston is an AP Top 25 voter. Read his ballots here. November weather can be harsh, especially after a warmer-than-expected October (shorts season had an extended run this fall). On the college football field, the first weekend of "Closing Month" claimed three more unbeatens, with Pitt Data Doctors: What's a firewall — and do you need one? 11/02/2024 05:24pm • Q: What's a firewall and do I need one at home? A: Focusing on internet security is key to staying safe online, and a firewall serves as a critical element of defense for your entire home network. The good news is that you are likely using several firewalls already! Your private security team Presto's Picks: Rating the revamped conferences while Navy and Virginia Tech travel 10/31/2024 07:15pm • The start of college football's closing month adds a sense of urgency to the mix. Can you get to six wins and bowl eligibility? And if you're in contention for a conference title or seat at the expanded playoff, can you lock things up? With two full months in the books (and most of the local FBS This popular cellphone carrier keeps disconnecting 911 calls in DC 10/02/2024 08:15pm • Last month alone, more than 10,000 calls to D.C.'s 911 went unanswered. Sometimes, the person calling would hang up quickly because they made the call by accident, or maybe they'd be disconnected because they were walking into a building or someplace where the signal would drop. But anecdotes abo