Evening briefing · 7 things to know
Virginia’s evening developments include testimony in the Bhatt trial and a serious Chantilly pedestrian crash. D.C.’s transition team, Maryland preservation awards and a stock-market rally also made news.
Virginia · Chantilly
Teen critically injured in crash near Chantilly High School
A driver struck a teenage boy near Chantilly High School Wednesday afternoon, leaving him with life-threatening injuries, FFXnow reported, citing Fairfax County police. The driver remained there. Police closed northbound Stringfellow Road to investigate; check current traffic alerts before using the road.
Virginia · Courts
Naresh Bhatt testifies in his own defense
Naresh Bhatt took the stand Wednesday in his Prince William County murder trial and denied harming his wife, Court TV reported. FOX 5 DC reported that he testified in English with an interpreter translating questions. He faces murder and body-concealment charges involving Mamta Kafle Bhatt, whose body has not been recovered.
Washington · Transition · Update
Update: Lewis George names her transition leadership
Since this morning’s report of her election victory, D.C. Mayor-elect Janeese Lewis George has named Jennifer Levy transition director and five co-chairs, FOX 5 DC reported. The team will recommend senior hires and help set priorities for the first 100 days. An employment portal has also opened for applicants seeking administration roles.
Maryland · Historic preservation
Maryland awards more than $18 million in preservation tax credits
Maryland announced tax credits exceeding $18 million for nine historic-preservation projects Wednesday. The governor’s office says the awards support more than $85 million in additional investment. Projects include Baltimore’s Public School No. 111 and Monument Printing Company, Howard House in Cecil County and Centreville High School in Queen Anne’s County.
Maryland · Sentencing
Former Hyattsville officer receives 27-year prison term
Jonathan Monge, a former Hyattsville police officer convicted of rape and sexual abuse of a minor, received a 27-year prison sentence, FOX 5 DC reported Wednesday. County prosecutors said his release will be followed by five years of supervised probation. He also must register as a sex offender for life.
Nation · Markets
Dow gains 1,569 points as stocks rally after midterms
U.S. stocks rallied Wednesday after the midterms, AP reported. The Dow added 1,569.40 points, closing at 53,356.12; the S&P 500 rose 1.6% and Nasdaq 1.4%. Falling oil prices and lower Treasury yields accompanied the advance.
World · European Union
European Commission sets out next steps for four membership candidates
The European Commission’s annual enlargement package, adopted Wednesday, includes proposed roadmaps for Montenegro, Albania, Moldova and Ukraine. The plans set milestones for the coming year, rather than granting membership. The Commission says progress depends on reforms, including democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, with security among its stated reasons for enlargement.
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