This is the Old WRGW District Radio News website. As of January 13th, 2014 all of the latest GW and local DC news can be found on our brand new website at: www.wrgwnews.com!
United States Secret Service notified University Police after a GW student was found wandering Connecticut Avenue 'conscious but incoherent.' The underage male was transported to GW Hospital for medical treatment.
An on-duty officer working a night shift at the front desk of the Medical Faculty Associates' Building called MPD after he witnessed a suspicious individual enter the loading dock during closed hours. Several officers responded and caught sight fo the individual on a security monitor running from the dock, carrying a black bag. The suspect was arrested and discovered to be in the possession of two laptops. The individual was summarily barred from campus.
From Thurston Hall, a male student was approached by an unidentified individual who inquired as to wheter he was the one to press charges against his brother. The respondent answered 'yes' and was then punched in the chest; both MPD and UPD were notified; the subject left before police arrived. A lookout was issued to UPD on patrol, but the unknown male was not located.
From the West End, UPD responded to a stairwell alarm activation and noticed a storage closet that had been forcefully entered; items were found to be missing from the location. Officers contacted a resident who was suspected of prying open the door with tools. Maintainance was eventually called, but the closet was unable to be rescued.
The crime breakdown: The University Police Department reported 8 liquor law violations last week; 5 of the cases occurred over the weekend. 15 incidents of theft and burglary were logged. 3 drug offenses, 1 case of disorderly conduct and 3 cases of destruction of property were also reported.
Because GW is located in the hub of American politics, it is no surprise that so many students here are interested in the upcoming elections. Some attend rallies, some help with campaigns, and another group of students have found a totally different way to get involved.
The Student Association has launched GW Votes, a website dedicated to making sure students who are away from home vote in the upcoming election. The website makes it easy for students to apply for absentee ballots.
GW votes isn't new to to the campus. In 2004, the initiative helped to register the majority of students to vote and about 85% get absentee ballots. Since the majority of the GW student body lives on campus and will not be able to vote in their home state in 2008, the SA feels that this is an extremely helpful and necessary initiative and that's why they decided to bring it back this year.
Although the site is intended for the general election in November, SA executive vice president Brand Kroeger said that this year, they've already had success.
"We've been very successful actually in registering students for their primaries. We've had over 225 students come to us and say we have all this information, we want to get registered for the primaries, and we said, 'Hot dog!'"
Upon arriving to the website, the student is greeted with a patriotic interface that prompts for some basic information. The student can print out their states voter registration or absentee ballot request. If you take the form to the SA office, Marvin Center room 424, the correct address, envelope and even postage is provided.
Chloe Lew, the sophomore director of GWVotes, recently told the Daily Colonial that "I believe most students want to register to vote and do vote, but the process can sometimes seem daunting or time consuming, so the Student Association has taken it on again to help students. It doesn't matter if you are a democrat, a republican, independent, or even politically savvy; GWVotes is for every student no matter what state they are from and no matter what they believe."
Kroeger couldn't agree more with Lew. "Voting is very important and if the SA can mount a small campaign to get people registered, we're more than happy to do it."
Forty years since the conception of a rail line to connect Washington D.C. with Dulles Airport, the project is still being debated.
Up until last week it appeared that the 23-mile long rail project would move forward, relieving traffic congestion while boosting the local economy by attracting visitors to the area. Now lawmakers are in a bind as they search for funding for the proposed silver line.
According to the Washington Post, the proposal does not qualify for federal funding because the government is concerned of the ability for Dulles to handle its construction. This would be the first project under their watch. Officials also worry about the ability for the underfunded, overcrowded metro system to handle the expected increase in passenger volume.
Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine said he would respond to Department of Transportation officials regarding this assessment by Friday. Kaine told members of the press that the project should be federally funded considering that members of congress, diplomats and their staffs would use the rail to access the airport.
"This is a huge federal asset, a huge asset in this region," Kaine said. "There is really not an effective future for the growth of Dulles or the growth of the region without the rail."
Others have raised the possibility that the project could be funded privately, but Kaine insists other sources would also be necessary. Another possibility is increasing the fee on the Dulles Toll Road, though the price as already been raised to pay for parts of the project.
Last week, WRGW News was joined in studio by Student Association's Executive Vice President Brand Kroeger. He told WRGW's Jared Pliner, Sam Collins and Mallory Thompson about what the SA is working on - from lowering SA fares to GW Votes - and the truth about GW Feed. This is a condensed version of the interview.
There Will Be Blood is one of two films leading the pack of Oscar nominees this awards season.
It has a total of eight nominations in categories including best picture, best actor for Daniel Day Lewis and best director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Anderson previously directed such critically acclaimed films as Magnolia and Boogie Nights.
The film's expansive storyline, is based off the Upton Sinclair novel, Oil!, and it follows Daniel Plainview, a self proclaimed "oil man" working in the American west around the turn of the century as he seeks his fortune. It tells the story how that search affects those around him, a cast of characters including his son, D.W., a long lost brother Plainview and a righteous young preacher played by Little Miss Sunshine's Paul Dano.
From the perspective of this reviewer, There Will Be Blood comes about as close to perfection as any movie in Hollywood's recent past. The performances, especially that of Lews, who delivers a typically powerful and convincing performance, are all impeccably acted and while Anderson's script is complex, it leaves us unsure about how we should feel about Plainvew, partly why the film is so intriguing.
Of course, no review of this film would be complete without mentioning the strikingly original score crafted by Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood, which lends a special quality to the film.
There Will Be Blood is still playing in theaters across the District, so if you haven't made it out to see it yet, there is still time. A definite must-see!
A 100-foot tall landmark will soon be leaving Washington for another home.
The Awakening, a statue created by artist J. Seward Johnson, Jr. is headed nearly twenty minutes away. The massive piece depicts a man attempting to crawl out of the earth and is located on Hains Point in DC.
The sculpture was placed there in 1980 for the International Sculpture Conference Exhibition. It was intended to be a temporary exhibit, but because of its popularity, has remained in Washington for twenty seven years.
Due to recent congressional action, the statue will be relocated to National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland to make room for a future presidential memorial. It is unknown when the artwork will leave the District for its new home.
At long last, after a turbulent, controversial and highly publicized beginning, GW F.E.E.D. is becoming an official student organization. The initiative, dedicated to fighting hunger among the District’s homeless and launched last semester by SA Senator O.G. Oyiborhoro, was met with discernible hostility upon its inception.
The Hatchet reported in September that the SA Senate approved legislation apportioning a whopping 6,000 dollars to the initiative – funds slated not for food, but for t-shirts, buttons and banners. Student Association President Nicole Capp vetoed that bill, instead appropriating 450 dollars of non-student fee revenue to the cause.
Despite the political ruckus, GW F.E.E.D. managed to collect over 1,500 pounds of food before first semester came to a close in late December and plans to partner with Starbucks on future drives.
But the original funding controversy did not spell the end of negative attention for GW F.E.E.D. Oyiborhoro had been attempting to push through a hotly contested resolution that would have declared the brand new organization the official philanthropy initiative of the Student Life committee, which he has chaired for some time. Attempts to establish an official philanthropic entity were unprecedented and some SA senators had grave concerns. Katie Santo, a senator representing Columbian College and Oyiborhoro’s vice-chair on the Student Life committee actively maintained that taking such a bold legislative step was unfair to committee members and would entail revising the complex bylaws.
The general body agreed with that assessment and the resolution was struck down by a wide margin when the SA convened last Tuesday.
For detailed information on all pending legislation, you can visit the Student Association website at gwstudentassociation.com.
A little bit of pop art is on its way to GW. GW’s own Luther W. Brady art gallery, located on the second floor of the SMPA building, will soon receive about 150 original Andy Warhol photograph to add to its collection.
The works that will be given to GW are part of nearly 30,000 original Warhol photographs worth more than $28 million. GW was chosen by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, along with 183 other colleges and universities.
Andy Warhol was a central figure in the American pop art movement. He achieved fame as a painter, photographer, avant-garde filmmaker, author and public figure from the 1960s to his death in 1987. His dying wish was to leave his legacy for the advancement of the visual arts. Since his death, Warhol’s paintings of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Elizabeth Taylor have become ingrained into American culture.
Two eateries on the GW campus have recently recieved liquor licenses.
Wow Wingery's menu of burgers and wings will soon be complimented wtih draft beers and bottles. Students can expect Wow to carry alcohol within three to four weeks.
Tonic, the relatively new restaurant on the corner of 21st and G Street, has had a rockier road to their liquor license. Their first request was rejected in fall of 2006. They met with much opposition from Foggy Bottom residents that were worried about increased noise that might come from bar patrons.
Tonic continued the fight and the second request for a liquor license was approved with strict stipulations on the type of alcohol they could serve. Their drink menu will now include beer and wine, with hard liqour only being served on weekend mornings. Pitchers of beer and drink specials after 7pm will not be allowed.
Tonic must also comply with mandated hours. The restuarant will remain open until 1am on Sundays and Thursdasy and 2am on Fridays and Satrudays.
The resturant plans to have daily happy hours from 5-7pm. These include half-price draft beers, $5 wine, and 50-cents wings. There are already 10 beers on tap and two more are on their way.
Judging by the turn-out last weekend to watch the Patriots-Jaguars game on the three large flat-screen TVs, Tonic is sure to become the new bar to go to in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood.
Senior Max Bernstein is glad the two eateries obtained their licenses. "It's always nice to sit with a group of people and drink a beer during football games," he said. "I'm excited that Tonic and Wow are bringing that opportunity to the GW community. It's definitely a void in the neighborhood that needed to be filled.
It's only been a few weeks since dozens of incorrect New Hampshire Primary polls made pundits and news organziations look foolish by calling Barack Obama victorious by a wide margin. Now, GW may have a more accurate way of predicting who will win Presidential primaries and caucuses.
Last week, the university became a sponsor of the Battleground Poll, which measures public opinon regarding candidates.
The poll is a coalition of the democratic polling firm, Lake Research Partners and the Tarrance Group, which is affiliated with the Republican Party. The groups analyze data to interpret voter preferences. Supporters of the poll claim that the results of the Battleground Poll have been accurate since the 1992 Presidential Election.
As part of the agreement, Gelman Library will be the archive for previous Battleground Polls.
Hollywood got up early this morning as the nominees for the 80th Annual Academy Awards were announced in Los Angeles. There is still a questions as to whether or not the 2008 telecast will proceed as planned due to the ongoing writer's strike or if it will be handled as the Golden Globes were a few weeks ago.
Nonetheless, Rober Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times, calls this year's nominees list "one of the strongest fields in recent years, reflecting the surge of superb films starting in September."
The pack was led by the Coen Brothers "No Country For Old Men," and "There Will Be Blood," starring Daniel Day Lewis, both of which carried eight nominations. Cate Blanchette is nominated twice this year, for best actress in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," and for best supporting actress in "I'm Not There," where she portrayed Bob Dylan.
On the other end of the entertainment spectrum, the Razzies were announced this morning, honoring the worst films and performances of the year. Lindsay Lohan was nominated in the worst actress category for her role in "I Know Who Killed Me." Previous winners, or losers as it were, in this category include Oscar winner Halle Berry who accepted her Razzy for Catwoman, in person.
After a month-long Winter hiatus, WRGW is back for a second semester of brand new shows, in-depth news, and, as always, weekly blogging!
To preview some of the things we are working on out of the WRGW newsroom:
An all-new, revamped News-In-Depth w/ Taylor Barnes, a monthly debate series featuring the College Democrats and College Republicans, discussions with campus political groups, exclusive interviews with Student Association leadership and the most powerful election coverage through the primaries and right up to November!
So stay tuned for the very best in college radio, right here on WRGW - broadcasting on the web at GWRADIO.COM!
Mallory Thompson, News Director Taylor Barnes, Asst. News Director Jared Pliner, Asst. News Director
WRGW News is always looking for new members! Joining the team requires no prior knowledge of radio or journalism. Being on the staff entails being a broadcaster on one of the 6:00 WRGW News broadcasts during the week and writing regular articles for the website.
If you're interested in joining the news team, please email Myles Goldman at news@gwradio.com.
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW's Jared Pliner and Ryan Waye checked in with Will Frey, vice-chair of the GW College Republicans and editor-in-chief of the GW Patriot, and Ryan Ashley, GW College Democrats communications director, about the Republican takeover of the House of Representatives. Among the discussed topics: outgoing Speaker Nancy Pelosi's run for minority leader, John Boehner as her presumed successor, the Tea Party influence in the 112th Congress (and the Republican caucus), and much more!
Hear this midterm election analysis with Will Frey and Ryan Ashley:
October 31, 2010
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW's Jared Pliner spoke with GW President Steven Knapp via phone from New York City about the second annual GW Global Forum, increased alumni giving, the announcement of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg as the 2010 commencement speaker, and urgent calls -- from students and the GW Hatchet -- to renovate the decrepit Gelman Library.
Also, WRGW's Ryan Waye and guest co-host Ian Everhart discussed the ascension of the future leader of the Chinese Communist Party -- Xi Jinping -- and the Stewart/Colbert Rallies to "Restore Sanity" "Keep Fear Alive" on the National Mall. All that, and midterm election predictions on News in Depth!
Hear this exclusive interview with University President Steven Knapp:
October 1, 2010 On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW's Jared Pliner sat down with Christoph Eschenbach - the newly inaugurated music director of the National Symphony Orchestra and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - to discuss the ornate season opener, the start of his tenure, and musical vision for the 2010-2011 season.
Also, all of the weeks top stories, including Rahm Emanuel's resignation as White House chief of staff, and Rick Sanchez's firing from CNN after controversial remarks about comedian Jon Stewart, and Jews.
Hear this exclusive interview with Maestro Christoph Eschenbach:
September 26, 2010
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW's Jared Pliner and Ryan Waye discussed comedian Stephen Colbert's controversial immigration testimony on Capitol Hill. Why did a Democratic House subcommittee chairwoman invite a Comedy Central satirist to testify at the taxpayers' expense? Republicans are livid, Democrats are dumbfounded. We broke it down from all angles.
And, have peace talks 'jumped the tracks' in the Middle East? Israel lets the moratorium on settlement-building expire; Palestinians mull walking away from the table altogether. Less than one month in, are negotiations over?
September 19, 2010On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW's Jared Pliner and Ryan Waye discussed the outcome of Tuesday's primaries, which marked major - if not shocking - wins for several Tea Party-backed candidates. Christine O'Donnell claims victory against GOP establishment candidate Mike Castle in Delaware, while Carl Paladino handily beats former Republican Congressman Rick Lazio in the race for New York governor.
September 12, 2010
On this 2010-2011 season premiere of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Ryan Waye commemorated the ninth anniversary of 9/11, also examining the growing controversy over plans to build a mosque just two blocks from where the World Trade Center towers once stood. Is the so-called Park 51 project a flagrant show disrespect for the victims and their families, or a powerful display of tolerance and American ideals?
Terry Greene, whose brother Donald Greene was killed aboard United Flight 93, supports the project, as one of unity and healing following great tragedy and division. She is a member of the group September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows.
Frank Gaffney, founder and president of the Center for Security Policy, opposes Park 51, arguing that there is something far more insidious behind the concept - 'stealth Jihad' - upon which we should train great vigilance and suspicion.
And finally, a moving WRGW News tribute nine years after the attacks of September 11, 2011.
Hear this exclusive interview with Frank Gaffney:
Hear this WRGW News 9/11 tribute:
Second Season:
April 25, 2010On this final 2009-2010 edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner sat down with fashion designer, "Project Runway" alumnus, competitive swimmer and prominent HIV/AIDS activist Jack Mackenroth for a conversation on his HIV status, his work on behalf of the globally afflicted and his hopes for a cure.
Plus, WRGW News' Ryan Waye explores why Washington, D.C. is the so-called "epicenter" of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States and what we can do about it.
Hear this exclusive interview with Jack Mackenroth - on the eve of his headlining the 2010 Whitman-Walker Clinic Spring Gala on the National Mall:
April 18, 2010
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Alexa Vogel spoke to research analyst Peter Crail of the Arms Control Association about the recent signing of the 2010 START Treaty by the United States and Russia. The agreement pledges a 30 percent reduction of the two nations' nuclear arsenals. Does it put national security in jeopardy or is it a necessity in the post-Cold War era?
Then: Dean Douglas Shaw of GW's Elliott School of International Affairs joined us with insight and analysis on the Nuclear Security Summit here in Washington, D.C. Was the mammoth gathering of 47 international delegations a crafty PR stunt, or a display of substantive progress?
Hear this interview with Dean Doug Shaw:
April 11, 2010
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Alex Laska spoke to Father Paul Sullins of the Catholic University of America- a married priest, formerly of the Anglican Church - about the much debated topic of clerical celibacy. Is it a tenable way out, in the wake of a burgeoning sex scandal?
Then, the signing of the recent U.S.-Russia START Treaty - essentially limiting both states' nuclear arsenals by 30 percent. And, the retirement of Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens...who's on the president's short list for the nation's highest court?
Hear this exclusive interview with Father Paul Sullins:
March 28, 2010
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Jenn Neuner spoke to communications director Michael Garber of the College Democrats and communications director Rob Noel of the College Republicans about the historic passage of health care reform.
Plus, John McCain and Sarah Palin back together again, hitting the campaign trail in Arizona to secure the "maverick" a second term in the U.S. Senate.
And finally, what is the state of U.S.-Israeli relations?
Hear this interview with Garber and Noel:
March 7, 2010
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Ryan Waye spoke to Mark Levine, radio talk show host and legal counsel to the LGBT Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, on the beginning of same-sex marriage in Washington, D.C. and what this victory means for the gay rights movement.
Then, scandals of the week: Massa, Rangel, and Paterson. What's going on within the Democratic Party? Hear this exclusive interview with Mark Levine:
February 28, 2010
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Dan Keylin spoke to the two EVP candidates slated for the March 11th runoff election: Sen. Logan Dobson (CCAS) and former Senate Secretary Rob Maxim.
Then, W. Hunter Patterson, editor-in-chief of the GW Patriot, dropped by the WRGW studios with guest commentary and analysis on the 2010 Student Association election.
Hear this interview with EVP candidates Logan Dobson and Rob Maxim:
Hear this interview with the GW Patriot's W. Hunter Patterson:
February 21, 2010
On this jam-packed edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Alexa Vogel spoke to Tabisa Walwema, former SA vice president of public affairs, and WRGW SA Correspondent Dan Keylin about the first ever WRGW - SA Debate. Walwema and Keylin gave in-depth analysis of the candidates' debate performances and their political chances going forward.
Then, Pliner and Vogel spoke via phone to Kelly Zentgraf, a GW junior, about National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and about her own personal, resonant battle with an eating-related illness.
And finally, Professor Lisa Delpy Neirotti of GW's School of Business phoned in LIVE from the site of the 21st Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver!
Click here for debate analysis:
Click here for an interview with Kelly Zentgraf:
Click here for a Winter Olympics update:
February 14, 2010On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Alex Laska spoke to SA Sen. Dylan Pyne (CCAS) and SA Senate hopeful Kim Wollner about the emerging field of presidential and EVP candidates. Who's in? Who's out? And what's next?
February 7, 2010
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Jenn Neuner spoke to U.S. Navy Captain Joan E. Darrah (Ret.) about her nearly 30 years in naval intelligence, living a "secret life" as a gay woman. Darrah is an outspoken opponent of "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and is hopeful the U.S. Congress can repeal the law by the end of the year.
Hear this exclusive interview with Capt. Joan Darrah:
Hear this fun interview with my ABC News colleague, Courtney Cohen:
January 31, 2010
On this edition of News in Depth, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Alex Laska spoke to communications directors Michael Garber of the College Democrats and Rob Noel of the College Republicans about President Obama's first State of the Union message. Plus, is it time to pull the plug on health care? All that and much more, live from Washington D.C.
NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the audio from this installment is unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
January 24, 2010
In this first News in Depth of the second semester, WRGW News' Jared Pliner and Ryan Waye spoke to Pulitzer-winning columnist Joan Vennochi of the Boston Globe about the stunning GOP victory in Massachusetts. Pliner and Waye anchor from Washington, D.C.
Hear this exclusive interview with Joan Vennochi:
December 6, 2009
In the last edition of News in Depth before winter break, Pliner and Regis were joined in studio by Michael Komo, president of GW’s Allied in Pride and Student Association senator-at-large, to talk about the D.C. Council’s first of two votes on same-sex marriage legislation. Komo also addressed the failed SA constitutional referendum and his recent proposal of legislation to institute gender-neutral housing at GW.
Then, Sen. Logan Dobson of the Columbian College stopped by to explain why he urged students to stonewall constitutional reform and how the SA can “shape up” for next semester.
November 22, 2009
In the last edition of News in Depth before Thanksgiving, Pliner and Regis recapped an evening with veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas at GW’s Elliot School of International Affairs. WRGW News and the School of Media and Public Affairs teamed up to host the fiery columnist, who has covered every president since John F. Kennedy.
November 15, 2009
On this Sunday edition of News in Depth, Pliner and Regis anchor a special roundup of the stories making headlines: here on campus and around the country. At GW, professors are growing increasingly hostile to the use of laptops in class. Some have gone as far as to ban them entirely. Is this an appropriate exercise of professorial power or a throw-back to high school-style academia?
Then, more on the Ft. Hood gunman. Media outlets have reported that alleged shooter Maj. Nidal Hasan sent money to individuals in Pakistan, was in contact with a radical imam in Yemen, and even carried around business cards proclaiming himself to be a “solider of Allah.” Why wasn’t he stopped? And what type of systematic breakdown in army policy led to the deaths of 13 of its own?
And finally, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has announced that 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammad will be tried in federal court in New York City, just blocks away from where the World Trade Center towers once stood. Is this move by the Justice Department an exhibition of the capacity of the American justice system or a dangerous symbolic ploy? Is Holder’s pledge to seek the death penalty a welcome punishment for an Islamic martyr?
November 8, 2009
On this Sunday edition of News in Depth, Communications Director Michael Garber of the GW College Democrats and Public Relations Director Andrew Clark of the GW College Republicans joined us in studio with their reactions to the House’s late-night passage of health care reform. What battles loom in the Senate?
Then, Tuesday’s gubernatorial election results. Are they a precursor of things to come in 2010? And what does it all mean for the Obama White House?
And finally, in the inaugural edition of our “Eye on Alumni” segment, WRGW News’ Jared Pliner sat down with double GW alumna Judge Phyllis Thompson of the D.C. Court of Appeals to talk about life on the District of Columbia’s highest court.
Click here for an interview with Hon. Phyllis Thompson:
November 1, 2009
On this jam-packed Sunday edition of News in Depth…Mark Levine, radio host and legal counsel to the Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, joined us in studio to share his views and analysis on the D.C. City Council’s proposed same-sex marriage legislation.
Then, Cleta Mitchell of Foley & Lardner and counsel to the “pro-marriage” advocacy group Stand4MarriageDC, joined us by phone to explain why she believes existing District law precludes passage of same-sex marriage legislation.
And in our second half-hour, SMPA Professor Steven Roberts called into talk about his new book, “From Every End of This Earth: 13 Families and the New Lives They Made in America.”
On June 10, 2009, an 88-year-old avowed white supremacist – James von Brunn – entered the National Holocaust Museum and opened fire, killing security guard Stephen Johns.
In the wake of the tragedy, Rabbi Tamara Miller, the GW Hospital’s director of spiritual care, wrote a piece in the Washington Post’s “On Faith” forum about the ordeal (she counseled Johns’ family as doctors tried to save his life), her visceral reaction as a Jew and the unique atmosphere in the hospital on the fateful day. Five months later, she was fired.
The hospital cited potential HIPAA violations and failure to adhere to protocol as reasons for Miller’s dismissal. The Rabbi says she communicated nothing beyond what the media had reported and her descriptions of the events that transpired were vague and intended to convey a broader message.
On this Sunday edition of News in Depth, Rabbi Tamara Miller speaks out on the controversy in her first radio interview.
October 11, 2009
On this Sunday edition of WRGW’s News in Depth, Jared Pliner anchored alongside SA Correspondent Daniel Keylin, who was substituting for Jesse Regis.
On the program, Pliner and Keylin spoke with former SA President Lamar Thorpe, who is a current candidate for the Maryland State House of Delegates, representing the 47th District. A Democrat, he is running on a platform of education reform, greater crime prevention and other initiatives aimed at bettering the lives of those in Prince George’s County. He faces a primary in September of 2010.
On a more personal note, Thorpe talked about life after GW, which has included a master’s degree in women’s studies, a GW Presidential Administrative Fellowship and the recent birth of his daughter.
Later in the hour, Travis Korson, president of GW’s Young America’s Foundation and Michael Garber, communications director of the GW College Democrats faced off on the issues: including President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize win, troop levels in Afghanistan and Michelle Obama’s GW community service challenge.
And finally, Jesse joined us by phone to share his experiences at Bruce Springsteen’s latest concert!
On this Sunday edition of WRGW’s News in Depth, hosts Jared Pliner and Jesse Regis spoke via telephone with Dr. Roxanne Cox-Iyamu, of the newly opened AIDS Healthcare Foundation Blair Underwood Healthcare Center on K Street. The segment ranged from talk of the District’s HIV/AIDS epidemic (the 3 percent infection rate is the highest in the nation) to the center’s anticipated impact on the community, to prevention efforts and the continuing pursuit of a successful vaccine.
Click here for an interview with Dr. Cox-Iyamu:
September 20, 2009
Some 500 military veterans are students at GW, but what do you know about them?
Sunday’s News in Depth discussed the issues facing the young men and women who return home from military service, and those who are slated to serve.
Hosts Jared Pliner and Jesse Regis talked to GW Vets’ Brian Hawthorne, Kevin Devaney, Michelle Miller, Ryan Bos amd Tom Conley about how the university treats them, the educational benefits they do and do not receive, the new GI Bill, the “yellow ribbon” program, the challenges of post tramautic stress disorder, and how they readjust to life as normal students.
At the close of the program, the swine flu epidemic was at the forefront. Jared shared details of his conversation with Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Dr. Beth Bell of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about how H1N1 is affecting university life.
September 13, 2009
On Sunday, Jared Pliner and Jesse Regis returned to the air with a brand new season of News in Depth!
The second season kicked off with plenty of insight and political analysis of the 9/12/09 Tea Party protests in Washington, DC. 60,000 to 70,000 taxpayers from around that nation railed against President Obama’s proposed health care reform and “big government.”
At the bottom of the hour, Barun Aryal, a GW senior and Alternative Spring Break g-Board member, joined Pliner and Regis in studio to discuss the September 11th Freshman Day of Service, First Lady Michelle Obama’s GW commmunity service challenge, and the alternative break program, which sends hundreds of GW students across the country and around the world on service projects.
It was a high-energy, action-packed hour filled with angry tirades, witty banter, and everything YOU need to know about this week at GW!
First Season:
April 26, 2009
Sexuality in young America and plenty of witty banter…
Those were the light-hearted topics this past Sunday on the final 2008-2009 edition of News In Depth w/ Jared Pliner & Jesse Regis.
In the final installment of the academic year, we were joined in studio by Alexandra Shahady, the Hatchet’s controversial sex columnist, on the heels of the publication’s infamous 2009 Sex Edition. Is America’s youth outlandishly promiscuous? Are condoms always necessary? (the answer is in the affirmative) and sex education in the schools...All that and more!
Gutting the SA Constitution, sweeping Reform and Marvin Center changes for the coming year…
In the first half hour, Sen. Logan Dobson (CCAS-U) joined us in studio to discuss recently released plans by four senators to reform the SA Constitution and essentially eliminate the the Office of Executive Vice President.
Also: In an exciting chain of events, we received a surprise phone call from outgoing SA President Vishal Aswani (who supports the measure) as to why he’s signing on to this movement so late in the game. Vishal tells all in one of his final interviews as president!
And finally, Ethan Elser, chair of the Marvin Center Governing Board briefed us on some Marvin Center initiatives to begin next semester.
April 5, 2009
Kyle Boyer reflects on his presidential run, his tenure as EVP and provides advice going forward AND President-Elect Julie Bindelglass sits down for her first full-length interview.
Those were the topics this past Sunday on WRGW’s News in Depth with Jared Pliner & Jesse Regis.
In the first segment, Boyer’s Friday exclusive interview with the WRGW 6 o’clock news team was re-aired, as Bindelglass listened intently in studio t0 his advice for the coming year and the next administration.
In the second half hour, President-Elect Julie Bindelglass addressed personal criticism (that she is stiff, over-polished, ingenuine etc.) and laid down her plans for her first 100 days in office. She and EVP-Elect Jason Lifton will be sworn in on April 30th.
March 28, 2009
The Student Court and how it changed the outcome of the 2009 SA presidential election…
That was the main topic this past week on News In Depth with Jared Pliner & Jesse Regis. Jesse was off Sunday.
For forty-five minutes Pliner was joined in studio by Christopher Wimbush, chief judge of the GW Student Court and Ethan Elser, vice chair of the Marvin Center Governing Board. Wimbush spoke of (and defended) the Court’s latest decision in Boyer v. JEC, which affirmed the decision of the Joint Elections Commission and blocked EVP Kyle Boyer from the presidential runoff.
As the discussion continued, Elser focused on the second topic of the program: SA reform in the age of “Julie.” Elser and Wimbush both acknowledged serious flaws within the current student government structure, but said they would oppose radical measures to alter it – including disbandment.
March 8, 2009
The very latest in Student Association coverage on the last News in Depth before a brief Spring Break hiatus! It’s also quite possibly the most humorous addition of News in Depth ever produced. Re-elected Senator Logan Dobson (CCAS) and newly-elected Senator Dylan Pyne (CCAS) join us in studio to discuss the race, the possible disqualification of front runner Kyle Boyer and where the Student Association goes from here.
March 1, 2009
The Senate has allowed debate on a bill that would grant the District of Columbia voting representation in Congress. Jaline Quinto, communications director of the voting-rights advocacy group DC Vote joins us by phone.
Then, Student Association election cycle continues…A runoff election will determine the next leader of the GW student body. We discuss the election, thus far, and what you can expect in the coming weeks.
February 22, 2009
SA executive vice president candidate Jason Lifton, SA presidential candidate George Brunner, and Elliot School senatorial candidate Dan Keylin join Jared Pliner and Jesse Regis on this Sunday’s version of News in Depth.
February 15, 2009
Nick Polk, SA senator and presidential hopeful, discusses J-Street mandatory spending, a recent 3 percent tuition hike, a proposed mandatory library fee, desired changes to the SA constitution, and how he will shape the Student Association should he attain higher office.
February 8, 2009
More controversy swirls around the Student Association as the resignation of Chief of Staff Greta Twombly prompts a string of departures. Kim Wollner, chairwoman of the SA’s Socially Responsible Initiatives Commission and close administration confidant discusses the latest developments.
Then, Brandon Hines, GW College Republicans communications director, dukes it out with Cory Struble, president of GW College Democrats, over the proposed $800 billion economic stimulus package.
February 1, 2009
WRGW economic contributor Carl Fisher provides insight into the economic crisis facing the nation and how it will affect GW students and their families.
Then, SA Senator Logan Dobson (CCAS) talks campus politics and defends his proposal for a 25 dollar mandatory library fee.
January 25, 2009
It was a somber day on campus as WRGW honored the life and legacy of Laura Treanor, a GW student who unexpectedly passed away last week. We share your thoughts and messages in a special tribute edition of News in Depth.
National Issues, Campus Issues, Student Association Approval
September 25-28, 2009
136 Respondents
1. Survey Demographics
Gender
Male
44.9%
Female
55.1%
Class
Freshmen
27.2%
Sophomore
27.9%
Junior
25.0%
Senior
15.4%
Graduate
4.4%
School
Columbian
58.1%
Elliot
20.6%
Business
14.0%
Medical
2.9%
Law
0.7%
Other
3.7%
Note: School of Media and Public Affairs counted as Columbian College.
Greek Status
Non-Greek
75.7%
Greek
24.2%
Political Affiliation
Democrat
52.2%
Republican
14.0%
Independent
27.9%
Other
5.2%
2. National Issues
Obama Approval
Excellent
13.4%
Good
62.7%
Fair
18.7%
Poor
5.2%
Original Question: How would you rate the way President Barack Obama is handling his job as President?
Obama Approval
Favorable
76.1%
Unfavorable
23.9%
Favorable Numbers were attained by adding the “excellent” and “good” responses into a “favorable” category and adding the “fair” and “poor” responses into an “unfavorable” category.
Health Care Reform
Favor
42.2%
Oppose
20.0%
Undecided/Don’t Know
37.8%
Original Question: As of right now, do you favor or oppose the healthcare reforms proposed by President Obama and the congressional Democrats?
3. Campus Issues
Michelle Obama Community Service Challenge
Good For Community
83.0%
Politicizing
8.2%
Don’t Know/No Opinion
8.9%
Original Question: As you may have heard, on September 11, 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama challenged GW students to complete 100,000 hours of community service and in return Obama promised to be GW’s commencement speaker this year. Do you think Michelle Obama’s challenge is good for the community and University, or is she politicizing community service, as suggested by Young Americans Foundation (YAF)?
Getting H1N1 at GW
Very Concerned
8.9%
Moderately Concerned
30.4%
Not Too Concerned
36.3%
Not At All Concerned
24.4%
Original Question: As a GW student, how concerned are you of contracting the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu?
4. Student Association Approval
Votes in SA Election (first round)
Kyle Boyer
22.2%
Julie Bindelglass
15.2%
Nick Polk
12.1%
Someone Else
3.0%
Did Not Vote
47.5%
Note: Non-Freshmen Only
Original Question: To Non-Freshman Students: Who did you vote for in last February’s Student Association presidential election (first round)?
Votes in SA Election (first round, voters only)
Kyle Boyer
42.3%
Julie Bindelglass
28.8%
Nick Polk
23.1%
Someone Else
5.8%
Note: Non-Freshmen Only
Boyer Kicked Off Ballot by JEC
Fairly
17.4%
Unfairly
42.9%
Don’t Know/No Opinion
39.8%
Note: Non-Freshmen Only
Original Question: To Non-Freshman Students: Do you think Kyle Boyer was fairly or unfairly removed from the runoff ballot in last February’s Student Association presidential election for exceeding campaign spending limits?
Vishal Aswani- Retrospective Job Approval Rating
Excellent
2.0%
Good
9.2%
Fair
22.4%
Poor
34.7%
Don’t Know/No Opinion
31.6%
Note: Non-Freshmen Only
Original Question: To Non-Freshman Students: How would you rate the overall job performance of former Student Association President Vishal Aswani during the last academic year?
Vishal Aswani – Retrospective Job Approval Rating
Favorable
16.4%
Unfavorable
83.6%
Favorable Numbers were attained by adding the “excellent” and “good” responses into a “favorable” category and adding the “fair” and “poor” responses into an “unfavorable” category. “Don’t Know/No Opinion” answers were removed, and the percentages were recalculated.
Student Association Approval (Non-Freshmen Only)
Excellent
2.0%
Good
22.4%
Fair
19.4%
Poor
35.7%
No Opinion
20.4%
Original Question: To Non-Freshman Students: How would you rate the overall job performance of former Student Association President Vishal Aswani during the last academic year?
Student Association Approval (Freshmen Only)
Favorable
78.4%
Unfavorable
8.1%
No Opinion
16.2%
Favorable Numbers were attained by adding the “excellent” and “good” responses into a “favorable” category and adding the “fair” and “poor” responses into an “unfavorable” category.
Student Association Approval (Non-Freshmen)
Favorable
24.5%
Unfavorable
55.1%
No Opinion
20.4%
Favorable Numbers were attained by adding the “excellent” and “good” responses into a “favorable” category and adding the “fair” and “poor” responses into an “unfavorable” category.
Welcome to the online home of WRGW News - a division of WRGW, the official student radio station of The George Washington University.
Here you’ll find the very latest on everything that matters to GW students. Listen to us live every weeknight at 6 p.m. at www.gwradio.com or www.wrgwnews.com. "News in Depth," our hour-long Sunday interview and feature news program, airs weekly at 12 p.m. with Talk Director Jared Pliner and Assistant News Director Ryan Waye.
Jenn Neuner – is News Director for WRGW News. When she’s not spending her Sunday afternoons from 12 to 1 p.m. listening to "News in Depth" at wrgwnews.com, you can find the New Canaan, Connecticut native on GW’s crime beat, reporting on the campus crime incidents of the week. Jenn has been with the station since her freshman year. Jenn is also the Public Relations Co-Chair for Camp Kesem GW, the internal public relations chair for her sorority Pi Beta Phi, and occasionally a political communication major. Currently a junior, Jenn hopes to have a career in political communication, publishing, film, or a related industry.
Contact:wrgwnewsdirector@gmail.com Office hours: Mondays - 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays - 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursdays - 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Ryan Waye– is Assistant News Director for WRGW News. He covers the transportation beat, reporting on issues related to public and private transport around the District. Besides appearing on the WRGW 6 p.m. News and guest hosting "News in Depth," Ryan finds time to be a sophomore international affairs major. Ryan participates in GW's International Affairs Society and Model UN. He hopes to work in government as a foreign affairs analyst, or as a diplomat abroad, while occasionally traveling back to his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia.
Jared Pliner - is WRGW's current Talk Director and News Director Emeritus at WRGW. He anchors “News in Depth,” on Sundays from 12 to 1 p.m. He is a senior in the School of Media and Public Affairs, majoring in journalism with a minor in political science. Jared joined WRGW News in the fall of 2007 as a general assignment reporter, before transitioning to the campus crime beat. While covering vandalism, assaults, drug busts and the inner-workings of the University Police Department, he began the popular news segment “Law and Order: GWU." A native of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Jared interned at ABC News Washington on the Sunday morning political program "This Week with George Stephanopoulos” and at ABC News's world headquarters in New York on "Good Morning America." Jared enjoys following politics, reading, and working at the greatest radio station on earth: WRGW!
Joseph Rabinowitz - is a junior in the School of Media and Public Affairs majoring in journalism. He enjoys following Atlanta Braves baseball and trekking to clubs around D.C. to catch his favorite bands. Besides producing and reporting for two news broadcasts each week, you can currently hear Joseph on WRGW on Wednesday nights from 6:20-8 p.m. as the host of his own music show, Gold Soundz.
Jeff Jacobson - is an undergraduate in the class of 2013, and a reporter for WRGW News. He joined WRGW News in the spring of 2010. Jeff currently covers politics for WRGW, concurrent with his dual majors of political science and journalism and mass communication at GW. He is an avid reader, and enjoys watching sports and listening to political satire.
Sloan Dickey - is a sophomore from Seattle, Washington, who just began his career with WRGW News. Sloan is in the School of Media and Public Affairs and is also involved with GW Sailing, student theater and his fraternity Pi Kappa Phi. Sloan, though born in America, is a wholehearted Canadian (citizenship aside) who loves to watch hockey and snack on poutine. In his free time, he loves to visit museums, see plays and do all that jazz. His aspirations include anchoring a television news network… and that’s about it.
James Reed- is a freshman and a reporter for WRGW News. He enjoys politics, including meeting and interviewing elected officials, watching sessions of the House and Senate, and occasionally visiting Capitol Hill. Aside from WRGW, James is pursuing a double major in political science and economics at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences. James is also heavily involved in RAC, College Republicans, GW Catholics, and Colonials for Life. He aspires to attend law school after his undergraduate career at GW and to become a future politician of integrity.
Michael Fische- is a freshman and a reporter for WRGW News. Fische is a resident of D.C., though he is originally from Argentina and may or may not have citizenship in this country (long story). A swimmer in high school, Fische has decided to pursue more auditory interests here at GW, and is thus enjoying his time at the radio thus far.
Colin O'Brien- is a freshman and a reporter for WRGW News. Originally from Missouri, Colin has adjusted well to city life, from getting a job at the Smithsonian Museum of American Art to spending time with brothers in his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. He also enjoys listening to Radiohead and starring in musicals - oh, wait, that was in sixth grade. Colin is looking forward to getting more involved in WRGW News.
In GW Campus Crime this week:
