Looks like Butterstick has some competition right around the corner — formerly confined to the indoors, today the National Zoo will unleash their four-and-a-half month old sloth bear cub into natural sunlight, according to WTOP. We see some joint merchandising opportunities arising, like Butterstick and Baby Sloth Bear visors, water bottles, and stuffed animals.
Network of Animal Hospitals to Help Detect Bioterrorism: How will you know if a bioterrorism attack is occurring? Look for your nearest cheetah. At least that’s the idea behind the Wildlife Center of Virginia developing a national surveillance network to look for signs of bioterrorism in wild animals. WTOP tells us that this so-called “Project Tripwire” would link 20 to 25 of the largest animal hospitals in the country, and suspicious that popped up would be reported to the CDC.
Former Washington Teachers Union Official Convicted of Embezzlement: With the unconvincing and overused “my other personality made me do it” argument, Gwendolyn Hemphill, former office manager of the Washington Teachers Union, was convicted on more than 20 counts yesterday, including conspiracy and money laundering in the embezzlement of millions of dollars. She was sentenced to 11 years in jail for her crimes. WTOP relays that while the split personality was dictating her illegal moves, Hemphill also claims she was trying to win the approval of union president Barbara Bullock, who is currently serving a nine-year sentence.
Social Security Numbers Taken in Maryland: In a country that is increasingly weary of ID theft, it looks like the Social Security numbers of 26 million veterans have been stolen from the Maryland home of an employee of the Department of Veteran Affairs. According to WJLA, the numbers have not been used, yet, but the VA is telling vets as a precautionary measure. The employee has been put on leave pending investigation.
Dust and Crumbs in Springfield, not Anthrax: According to initial tests that came back negative, a white powder that resulted in the evacuation of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility in Springfield seemed to have been dust and crumbs, not anthrax, as reported by WJLA.
Briefly Noted: Postal Workers United Against Dog Bites … Fire on Washington-bound Amtrak train from BWI … D.C. Council aims for more hands-on approach on school spending … More immigrants, illegal aliens seek driver’s licenses in Maryland … In sniper trial, Malvo testimony around the corner … Home invasion heist in MoCo.
This Day in DCist: We wondered about the future of Ana Marie Cox of Wonkette fame and talked about boycotting a toll hike on the Dulles Toll Road.
