Meredith Somers
Articles by Meredith Somers
Occupy D.C. camp peaceful after daylong standoff
Images of stoic police officers hauling away Occupy D.C. protesters were largely a memory Monday, as both sides tried to rebuild a cooperative — if cautious — co-existence following their 10-hour standoff Sunday. Published December 5, 2011
Police dismantle Occupy D.C. shelter, arrest 31
U.S. Park Police and a D.C. police SWAT team clashed Sunday with Occupy D.C. protesters and took down a wooden-frame shelter the Occupiers had brought into McPherson Square and then refused to dismantle. Published December 4, 2011
Tree lighting kicks off D.C.-area holiday season
Washington's holiday season officially began Thursday night when thousands gathered behind the White House in President's Park to watch the first family light the National Christmas Tree. Published December 1, 2011
Hard regulatory climb over, family can enjoy treehouse
Seven months after Mark Grapin dialed the Fairfax County permit office before building his sons a treehouse, the U.S. Army National Guardsman and his family walked out of a government building Wednesday with the county's blessing on the unique structure - after a process that involved appeals, thousands of dollars and international attention. Published November 30, 2011
Female bank robbery suspect caught after police chase
The Virginia woman wanted in connection with a string of attempted bank robberies and carjackings was arrested Wednesday after a 12-mile car chase around the Capital Beltway. Published November 30, 2011
Female bank robbery suspect now sought in Md. carjacking
A female former gang member accused of a Northern Virginia crime spree is now wanted in Baltimore County on charges of first-degree assault after a failed Thanksgiving carjacking. Published November 29, 2011
Accused White House shooter deemed competent to stand trial
The Idaho man charged with the attempted assassination of President Obama after shooting at the White House is competent enough to stand trial, according to a preliminary mental evaluation submitted Monday in federal court in the District. Published November 28, 2011
D.C. Engine Co. 24 marks 100 years serving Petworth neighborhood
The D.C. engine company that saw firsthand the advent of the motorized fire truck, civil rights riots of the 1960s and the deadliest crash in Metro history celebrated on Sunday its 100 years of serving the Petworth community. Published November 27, 2011
No. Virginia crime-spree suspect gave testimony against gang
A bank robbery suspect in Northern Virginia who appears on security video to be a young, smartly-dressed woman is really an experienced criminal with ties to the MS-13 gang, public records show. Published November 23, 2011
Sexual assault, theft reported at Occupy camp
Authorities on Tuesday were investigating complaints of sexual assault and theft at the site of the 2-month-old Occupy D.C. protest, which has largely dodged crime complaints that have plagued similar Occupy camps across the country. Published November 22, 2011
White House shooter held without bond
An Idaho man facing charges of attempting to assassinate President Obama was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation and held without bond at a preliminary hearing Monday in U.S. District Court in the District. Published November 21, 2011
Skating season opens on the Mall despite relative warmth
Temperatures more suited for the spring couldn't keep hundreds of people from lacing up their skates for the opening weekend at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink. Published November 20, 2011
Occupy D.C. protesters take case to Key Bridge
Occupy D.C. protesters and labor advocates formed a human chain Thursday across the Francis Scott Key Bridge, slowing rush-hour traffic as drivers craned their necks to watch the demonstrators wave signs and shout. Published November 17, 2011
With winter looming, labor unions fortify Occupy camp
Some of the country's biggest and most powerful unions are providing the infrastructure and amenities to keep the Occupy D.C. encampment fortified going into the winter. Published November 16, 2011
Ice sculptors chill out for PG holiday exhibit
Growling chain saws, rumbling forklifts and the constant scrape of chisels are not a traditional holiday soundtrack, except at National Harbor, where skilled carvers are once again turning roughly 2 million pounds of ice into a winter wonderland. Published November 14, 2011
National Cathedral holds 1st service since earthquake
The Washington National Cathedral reopened Sunday with the first public service since an earthquake in August did millions of dollars in damage to the soaring Northwest church. Published November 13, 2011
Rockville man pleads guilty in fatal crash
A Rockville man pleaded guilty Thursday to three counts of manslaughter and failure to remain at the scene of a fatal accident, charges that carry up to 40 years in prison and which Montgomery County prosecutors said were so serious that they would push for the 20-year-old to spend substantial time behind bars. Published November 10, 2011
Slow but steady stream turns out for Va. vote
Virginia residents went to polling stations across the commonwealth Tuesday to vote in state and local elections, creating a slow but steady turnout amid some voting-machine malfunctions and confusion about new voting districts and where to cast ballots. Published November 8, 2011
Police will get tough on Occupy D.C. protesters
Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said Monday that Occupy D.C. demonstrators have become "increasingly confrontational and violent" and that the police department has adjusted its tactics accordingly. Published November 7, 2011
Shaw tavern hopes dim as liquor license denied
The hope among Shaw residents that a new, upscale tavern would spark business development has been dealt a major and perhaps final blow now that city officials have denied owners a liquor license after keeping them in limbo for months. Published November 3, 2011