Bao Li and Qing Bao, two giant pandas, have arrived at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where they will remain off-limits to the public until early next year. The zoo has planned a public debut for January 24, with a celebration from January 29 to February 9. The pandas, who are kept apart as per their natural behavior, are part of a 10-year cooperation agreement with Chinese authorities, which includes a fee for each bear and additional charges for cubs born overseas. The zoo has upgraded its panda exhibit and will restart the popular Panda Cam on January 24.

Bao Li and Qing Bao, two giant pandas, have arrived at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where they will remain off-limits to the public until early next year. The pandas are undergoing quarantine and medical checks, with a public debut scheduled for January 24. The zoo has signed a 10-year cooperation agreement with Chinese authorities, paying half a million dollars annually per bear. The panda exhibit has undergone significant renovations, and the popular Panda Cam will resume broadcasting in January. The zoo aims to provide a conducive environment for the pandas, with a focus on conservation and breeding programs.

Bao Li and Qing Bao, two giant pandas, have arrived at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., where they will remain off-limits to the public until early next year. The zoo has signed a 10-year cooperation agreement with Chinese authorities, paying half a million dollars annually per bear. The pandas will undergo quarantine and medical checks, with a public debut scheduled for January 24. The zoo has upgraded its panda exhibit and will restart the popular Panda Cam. The pandas, chosen for genetic compatibility, are two years away from sexual maturity, and the zoo is prepared for artificial insemination if necessary.

Local lawmakers in Washington D.C. have unveiled a public safety bill aimed at reducing the city's rising violent crime rates. The bill consolidates previous proposals, including stricter gun-related offense penalties and expanded judicial powers to detain suspects. Homicides in Washington increased by 35% in 2023, with significant rises in car thefts and carjackings. The bill, supported by Mayor Muriel Bowser, faces a split D.C. Council and criticism from judicial reform advocates and the ACLU for its enforcement-heavy approach. The bill's controversial aspects include allowing police to declare 'drug-free zones' and review their body camera footage before reporting. A vote is expected in late January.

Washington D.C. lawmakers have introduced a public safety bill to address rising violent crime rates, consolidating previous proposals and temporary legislation. The bill includes stiffer penalties for gun-related offenses, expanded judicial detention powers, and relaxed restrictions on police conduct. Homicides in D.C. increased by 35% in 2023, with car thefts and carjackings also rising sharply. The bill has sparked debate among D.C. Council members and has been endorsed by Mayor Muriel Bowser. However, judicial reform advocates and the ACLU have criticized the bill as ineffective and potentially unconstitutional. Councilmember Brooke Pinto, who chairs the judiciary and public safety committee, aims to bring the bill to a vote in late January.

Washington D.C. lawmakers have introduced a public safety bill aimed at reducing violent crime, consolidating previous proposals and temporary measures. The bill proposes stiffer penalties for gun-related offenses, more leeway for judges in detaining suspects, and changes to police operations, including the creation of 'drug-free zones.' The bill has received support from Mayor Muriel Bowser but faces criticism from judicial reform advocates and organizations like the ACLU, who argue it relies on ineffective enforcement-heavy tactics. The D.C. Council is expected to vote on the bill soon, with debates anticipated between reformers and proponents of aggressive policing.

Washington D.C. lawmakers introduced a public safety bill to address rising violent crime rates, consolidating previous proposals and temporary measures. The bill proposes stiffer penalties for gun-related offenses, increased police leeway, and controversial 'drug-free zones.' It has support from Mayor Muriel Bowser but faces criticism from judicial reform advocates and the ACLU, who argue it perpetuates ineffective enforcement tactics. The bill aims for a council vote in January, with debates expected between reformers and proponents of aggressive policing.

Washington D.C. lawmakers have introduced a public safety bill to address rising violent crime rates, consolidating previous proposals and including stiffer penalties for gun-related offenses and changes to pre-trial detention and police procedures. The bill has sparked debate among D.C. Council members, received endorsement from Mayor Muriel Bowser, and faced criticism from judicial reform advocates and the ACLU. The bill aims to address a 35% increase in homicides and a doubling of car thefts and carjackings in the city.