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Thousands of federal workers have either lost their jobs or taken buyouts in recent months through a reduction in force, or RIF. Veterans and their spouses have been hit particularly hard -- making up 30 percent of the federal workforce. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America heard from some of these veterans at an event in Alexandria earlier this month. Hear their story, and how one organization, Easterseals, is trying to help, in the story: https://lnkd.in/eNQfzRct

Thank you to The People's House: A White House Experience for an amazing presidential trivia night last night hosted by our very own host Natalie Yuravlivker. Missed it? Head to https://buff.ly/Fnpzpp7 to stay up to date on events coming soon at WAMU.

Register today for the April book club!

📢Announcement!📢 We heard you! In our effort to be more responsive to listeners and their valuable feedback, WAMU has begun to air Morning Edition until 10 a.m. every weekday, bringing you more of what you love – another hour of NPR’s Morning Edition, with local news and updates from your favorite WAMU reporters. Whenever you tune in to WAMU each morning, it will be easier than ever to find out what changed in the DMV and the world overnight, along with the “why” and “what’s next” that only WAMU, NPR, and the BBC can provide on air and online at WAMU.org. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/eXa4n5BA

Last November, Arlington County leaders restricted police cooperation with immigration officials. But with recent immigration raids spurring community fears, some advocates say more protection is needed.

We hope to see you there -- snag your tickets today!

Today, Friday, March 28, on The Politics Hour with Kojo Nnamdi, we’re joined by Prince George's County Council Vice Chair Krystal Oriadha, Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Tune in at noon on air, online, or ask your smart speaker to play WAMU: https://lnkd.in/eduhT7PZ You can join the conversation by calling into the show live at (800)-433-8850.

The Kennedy Center is shutting down its social impact initiative which focused on providing outreach programs to underserved communities. The center's website describe the social impact team's goal as using the arts to advance justice and equality. Seven employees were laid off, including the Kennedy Center's vice president and artistic director of social impact. According to a copy of a letter to a laid off staffer obtained by NPR, staff were notified of their dismissal by the Kennedy Center's head of human resources. In the letter, she said the decision was based on the center's staffing needs. President Trump took over the Kennedy Center in February, describing its programming as "woke." The Trump administration has been working to roll back DEI initiatives across the government and academia.

🌸 Between now and April 13, more than a million visitors are expected to visit the Tidal Basin to see the cherry blossoms in peak bloom. Starting this past Saturday, the Tidal Basin welcome area will host music, dance and martial arts demonstrations from noon through the evening every day. The festival parade will be held April 12 along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th streets. The National Park Service estimates peak bloom will begin March 28 and last through March 31 🌸

We're thrilled to welcome Alex Koma and Alexandra Botti to the WAMU newsroom! Alex will be assuming the role of Senior Reporter, D.C. Politics and Alexandra will be 1A's Senior Supervising Producer, following her time as the National Elections and Politics Producer for the nationally distributed program. Please help us welcome them to the team! You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/ehW2aawZ