Meredith Somers
Articles by Meredith Somers
Turnout brisk in Virginia election, few problems reported
Early turnout on Election Day was brisk, with elections officials reporting few issues Tuesday amid signs that as voter participation could eclipse 2009 rates despite a governor's race that's become infamous for its negativity. Published November 5, 2013
German man accused in 91-year-old wife’s death seeks dismissal
The Georgetown socialite charged with killing his elderly wife has asked a judge to throw out his case because of the way prosecutors handled evidence, court records show. Published November 4, 2013
Maryland speed cameras becoming objects of scorn, vandalism
Montgomery County police are investigating reports of speed camera vandalism an average of once every week, with the most recent incident involving three cameras, spray paint and swastikas. Published October 31, 2013
Scaffolding coming down from around Washington Monument
The decorative lights illuminating the Washington Monument are set to be turned off next week as crews begin the process of removing the scaffolding around the earthquake-damaged structure. Published October 31, 2013
National Zoo: Baby panda’s head won’t get stuck in cage bars
The National Zoo's giant panda cub is growing and her eyes are almost fully open, officials said Wednesday after the most recent checkup of the two-month old cub. Published October 30, 2013
Alexandria woman claims $100,000 lottery jackpot with hours to spare
An Alexandria woman became $100,000 richer on Tuesday after cashing in her winning lottery ticket — and it only took her 179 days and 20 hours to do it. Published October 29, 2013
103-year-old woman killed in Fairfax car crash
A 103-year-old woman who was a passenger in a car being driven by an 81-year-old woman was killed in a crash in McLean, police said Tuesday. Published October 29, 2013
Paul M. Rodriguez, former Times investigative reporter, dies at 61
Paul M. Rodriguez, an investigative reporter for The Washington Times who covered the White House over three administrations, died Saturday from brain cancer. He was 61. Published October 28, 2013
Scream therapy: Maryland’s Creepywoods offers a Halloween haunt
Come October, Allan and Jill Bennett — the owners of Creepywoods Haunted Forest — are in the business of scaring people. Published October 27, 2013
Facts about Va. mom’s warning shot in dispute
Lakisha Gaither shot a gun into the air to stop a fight involving her teenage daughter. That, no one disputes. Published October 24, 2013
Gansler: ‘I think I probably should have done more’ to check for drinking at party
Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler said Thursday he "probably should have done more" to determine whether alcohol was present at a teen house party he briefly stopped by this summer. Published October 24, 2013
Va. mom charged after firing gun into air to scare off daughter’s attackers
A Woodbridge woman was arrested after she shot a handgun into the air to scare off a group of boys who were attacking her daughter. Published October 22, 2013
New Mega Millions format forces regular players to adapt
John Johnson has played the same six lottery numbers in every Mega Millions drawing for the past three years. Published October 21, 2013
Police say medical emergency might have caused Howard County crash
A medical emergency might have been the cause of a multivehicle crash that injured eight people, including a 7-year-old boy, Howard County police said Sunday. Published October 20, 2013
Reston boy, 17, dies after being shot
A Reston teen died two days after being shot, Fairfax County police said Sunday. Published October 20, 2013
VIDEO: Panda cub even more adorable than before government shutdown
While the federal government was shut down, the National Zoo's beloved butterstick turned into a squealing ball of fluff. Published October 17, 2013
Crowds return to D.C. malls, memorials after shutdown ends
With the turn of a key and the click of a lock, the District's memorials, monuments and museums were back open Thursday, welcoming thousands of visitors who'd waited through the 16-day federal shutdown to gain access to the famous sites. Published October 17, 2013
O’Malley approval rating sinks after Maryland gas-tax increase
Maryland voters support controversial initiatives passed by the General Assembly this year ending the death penalty and imposing strict new gun laws, but poll results released Wednesday show voters holding Gov. Martin O'Malley accountable for an unpopular increase in the gas tax. Published October 17, 2013
Veterans feel they are being used as ‘political ploys’ in shutdown
Beneath his black Wounded Warrior Project cap, Steve Scalora's eyes scanned the digital photo album on his phone. Published October 15, 2013
Military groups protest handling of veterans affairs during shutdown
A coalition of military associations on Tuesday lambasted Congress for its handling of veterans affairs in the wake of the government shutdown and demanded a permanent solution to balancing the federal budget. Published October 15, 2013