Meredith Somers

The cherry blossoms are coming

If there are two things the District does well -- aside from half-smokes and traffic congestion -- it's spring flowers and unpredictable weather. Published March 4, 2013

D.C. area braces for possible snow storm

The D.C. area on Monday was beginning to brace itself for what could be the first significant snowfall in two years. Published March 4, 2013

Blossoms to be at their best in late March, Park Service says

The peak bloom period for cherry blossoms around the D.C. Tidal Basin is expected to be between March 26 and March 30, National Park Service officials announced Monday. Published March 4, 2013

Hope expressed for Alexandria cop shot in traffic stop

Doctors were cautiously optimistic Thursday about the condition of an Alexandria police officer who suffered a "catastrophic" wound when he was shot in the temple during a routine traffic stop. Published February 28, 2013

Cab company ‘shocked’ at shooting of Alexandria officer

Colleagues of the Alexandria Yellow Cab driver accused of shooting an Alexandria police officer said they were stunned to hear one of their own was involved in the incident. Published February 28, 2013

Md. commission orders power utilities to improve

The organization that monitors power companies in Maryland on Wednesday set a deadline for utilities to submit their plans to improve service and avoid future weather-related disasters. Published February 27, 2013

Alexandria officer shot, seriously injured

An Alexandria police officer was seriously injured when he was shot while pulling over a cab during a traffic stop Wednesday. Published February 27, 2013

Lincoln a head above rest

The film based on his presidency might not have won the Academy Award for best picture, but Abraham Lincoln remains plenty popular in Washington. For the third straight year, the memorial honoring the 16th president was the most visited of the monuments and memorials in the city in 2011, drawing an estimated 6 million visitors, according to the National Park Service. Published February 26, 2013

Airports ready for travel bumps

Security lines to the skycap, double the wait time, fewer flights -- and that will be on a good day. Published February 25, 2013

Sequestration cuts could lead to flight delays, longer lines at airports

Virginia lawmakers and air travel officials on Monday warned of long lines and even longer delays if looming federal spending cuts are not avoided. Published February 25, 2013

Wuerl leaves to take part in selection of new pope

The archbishop of Washington is one of 118 men who will be locked inside a chapel in Vatican City in the coming weeks to decide the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. But he's most looking forward to seeing the art. Published February 24, 2013

Gas prices top $4 per gallon, fuel sticker shock

Average gas prices topped $4 a gallon in Washington, D.C., for only the fifth time ever on Thursday, the 35th straight day of increases that have seen prices rise by a total 42 cents. Published February 21, 2013

‘Sky lanterns’ raise safety issue

The rice paper and bamboo lights are known as Kongming lanterns in China. The English refer to them as Chinese lanterns. Canadians have dubbed them high-flying fireworks. Published February 19, 2013

Police: Woman found dead in Reston house fire was pregnant

A Fairfax woman found dead in an apartment fire in Reston was pregnant, police said Tuesday. Published February 19, 2013

Police: fatal fire in Fairfax was arson

A Fairfax woman was killed Monday in an apartment fire that county police and fire officials said was intentionally set. Published February 18, 2013

Love is in court on Valentine’s Day

On Wednesday, while throngs of people filed into D.C. Superior Court to pay bills or answer for their crimes, in a quiet corner of the marriage bureau, 14 couples started the first day of their married lives on Valentine's Day. Published February 14, 2013