Meredith Somers

National Cathedral’s same-sex marriage decision renews old debate, but doesn’t end it

The decision by leaders of the Washington National Cathedral to perform same-sex weddings is getting a mixed reception, with supporters calling it consistent with the church's path for more than a decade and critics warning of further division on an issue that has roiled religious denominations across the country. Published January 13, 2013

Stand-ins give inaugural oath a dry run

Only a few dozen men have had the honor of standing before the U.S. Capitol, right hand held high in a promise to serve their country as president. But on Sunday, with the mile-long length of the Mall stretching off into the distance, Staff Sgt. Serpico D. Elliott got to experience firsthand what it felt like to get to take the Oath of Office. Published January 13, 2013

Virginia hospital-goers warned: Wear masks to avoid flu

Virginia hospital visitors were urged by health care advocates Wednesday to wear masks in an effort to protect against a widespread and severe outbreak of flu rapidly spreading across the country. Published January 9, 2013

Fires at neighboring P.G. homes ruled ‘suspicious’

Two fires in neighboring homes have been ruled suspicious, a Prince George's County fire department spokesman said Monday. Published January 7, 2013

Redskins: Burgundy and gold trump red and blue; fans put aside partisan differences

In a town known for partisan bickering and political infighting, the Washington Redskins long have been one of the few things that could unify forces as powerfully opposed as Republicans and Democrats. Published January 6, 2013

Starting in the South, flu season off to a fast and miserable start

This year's start to the flu season is the earliest in a decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, setting off a wave of doctor visits in mostly Southern states from Louisiana to Virginia that have been hard hit. Although the early onset doesn't necessarily portend an epidemic, medical professionals say this year's strain is particularly severe. Published January 3, 2013

Injunction lifted on home contractor’s online critic

A woman being sued by a home contractor for posting negative online reviews can continue posting criticism of his work if she chooses, according to a decision by the Supreme Court of Virginia. Published January 2, 2013

Fear of 13 traced to Judas, myths

Think the number 13 is something to be scared of? Try spelling the fear's official name without breaking into a cold sweat: triskaidekaphobia. Published December 31, 2012

Prince William officer killed in motorcycle crash

An on-duty police officer was killed Monday on his way to a traffic crash when his motorcycle collided with a minivan, Prince William County police said. Published December 31, 2012

Possible restrictions, safety concerns drive up sales at Virginia gun show

Out of fear, interest, observation or education, throngs of gun enthusiasts streamed into the Dulles Expo Center on Sunday for the final day of the Nation's Gun Show, putting to rest any remaining doubt that the issue of firearms control — no matter which side of the argument — is at the forefront of the nation's collective concern. Published December 30, 2012

Anne Arundel casino now open 24/7

Maryland Live became a 24-hour casino at 8 a.m. Thursday. Gone are the days of shutting its doors at 2 a.m. during the week, or 4 a.m. on a Saturday night. Published December 27, 2012

Hammer-wielding Md. man fatally shot by police on Christmas

A 26-year-old man drunkenly wielding a hammer was fatally shot on Christmas by a police officer in Carroll County. Published December 26, 2012

Old Christmas trees: The gift that keeps on recycling

Mulching is often the fate for post-Christmas trees. The firs, spruces, pines and cedars that have brightened homes during the holiday season are ground into pieces for homeowners to feed their springtime gardens. An increasing number of government agencies and clever businesses are using leftover trees for more than compost. Published December 25, 2012

Man arrested in Wheaton shooting

A 19-year-old Olney man was arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection with a Tuesday shooting in Wheaton that left a 21-year-old man seriously injured. Published December 19, 2012

7 Powerball tickets in Virginia win $1 million in 4 weeks

For the past month, Virginia has been awarding new Powerball millionaires on an average rate of twice a week. Published December 18, 2012

Man jumping in front of Metro delays trains

A man was injured on Monday after he jumped in front of a Metro train, officials said, tying up lunchtime riders on the Yellow and Green Line trains while emergency crews worked to free him. Published December 17, 2012

Police ID Lanham homicide victim

Prince George's County police have identified the Lanham man killed earlier this week in a case investigators said was not a random shooting. Published December 16, 2012

Man charged with arson after blaze injuring firefighter

A 42-year-old man was arrested on charges related to arson after Prince George's County Fire and Emergency Services Department officials say he set fire to an abandoned Seat Pleasant house causing a blaze that injured one fire fighter. Published December 16, 2012

Alexandria police recover stolen cruiser in PG County

A stolen Alexandria police cruiser was found Friday in Prince George's County, but it was unclear whether a police shotgun that was in the car had also been recovered. Published December 16, 2012

Four weekend stabbings reported in DC

Four people were stabbed over the weekend, including one man who was attacked while walking out of a nightclub, according to D.C. police. Published December 16, 2012