Neal Augenstein Profile picture
Reporter, @WTOP. In 2010 became 1st radio reporter using iPhone as primary field production device. naugenstein@wtop.com.
Sep 2, 2022 8 tweets 3 min read
BREAKING: Virginia Supreme Court rules the special grand jury investigating Loudoun County Public Schools can continue, by denying appeal to lawsuit filed by @LCPSOfficial School Board that sought to shut it down. @JasonMiyaresVA says this is 'yet another win for both Loudoun... ...families and the Commonwealth in our fight for justice and answers about 'what happened last year in Loudoun County.' A teen has been found responsible in juvenile court of sexually assaulting two girls in two high schools. @JasonMiyaresVA and @GovernorVA have alleged...
Sep 1, 2022 4 tweets 2 min read
Asked @GovernorVA whether actions he’s taken in 1st yr in ofc — investigation of @LCPSOfficial, tip line to report teachings people disagree with, focus on CRT — might dissuade people from wanting to teach in Virginia. He had a response…. Youngkin pointed to budget he signed, w 10% raise for teachers over two years, and said, “Teachers should feel so confident that in Virginia, we support them.” Added teaching kids requires team of teachers, parents and administrators, and…..
Sep 1, 2022 6 tweets 3 min read
Students in Mr. Cohen’s government class in Colonial Forge HS in Stafford heard it first from their teacher. @GovernorVA Glenn Youngkin will sign an executive order today to deal with teacher shortage. Image .@GovernorVA Glenn Youngkin told students in AP Government class at Colonial Forge High School that he’s a “big fan of the 1st amendment.” And, encouraged students to, at some point in their lives, get involved with government: “Maybe on a board of supervisors or school board.” Image
Jul 11, 2022 10 tweets 3 min read
BREAKING: The judge supervising the special grand jury looking into the school system has denied most of the lawsuit by the Loudoun County School Board seeking to halt the special grand jury empaneled by AG ⁦@JasonMiyaresVA⁩. The special grand jury will continue its work. Judge James Plowman said the Loudoun County School Board had failed to show they would suffer irreparable harm if the special grand jury continued. Even if indictments occur, or the special grand jury issues a report, Plowman said there are avenues for the school board.
Jun 1, 2022 17 tweets 3 min read
NEW: John Hinckley granted unconditional release, with no restrictions, 41 years after he shot, almost killed Pres Ronald Reagan. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity. After years of treatment, increasing freedoms, US Dist Judge Paul Friendman wished him well. The unconditional release will take effect June 15, said Friedman, after the final status conference in Hinckley's 40+ year case. Friedman recounted the "long road" since Hinckley first was arrested.
Mar 24, 2022 7 tweets 2 min read
BREAKING: Federal judge in Charlottesville rules in favor of 12 immunocompromised students represented by @ACLUVA, denying @GovernorVA and @JasonMiyaresVA’s request to dismiss the suit. Judge Norman Moon agrees SB739 and EO2 violate THESE 12 students rights under ADA. Judge grants preliminary injunction before trial. Moon’s ruling makes clear SB739 IS law in Virginia, and doesn’t rule on whether masking is effective or not. But, “EO2 and SB739 and their threatened enforcement are substantial obstacles to the exercise of Plaintiff’s rights…
Jan 7, 2021 10 tweets 2 min read
NOW: @MayorBowser holding 10:49 pm public safety update, after this afternoon's rioting in the US Capitol..... @MayorBowser says in today's "siege" in US Capitol, police were "the real patriots." Bowser says Capitol is secure. "We saw an unprecedented attack on our US democracy," and President Trump "must be held responsible." She thanks local police depts for responding to aid police.
Jan 6, 2021 5 tweets 1 min read
ANALYSIS: For those who wonder why they're not seeing mass arrests at the US Capitol, the situation is ongoing and dangerous. Police, leaders are still talking about the need to clear the Capitol, and assembling the manpower to do that. Mass arrests take a lot of people-power... Every inch of the Capitol grounds is covered by surveillance cameras. Not only will today's selfies by rioters inside the Capitol be used as evidence in criminal (likely federal) trials, police and prosecutors will have plenty of time, after today's crisis, to sift through...
Jan 6, 2021 8 tweets 1 min read
NOW: @MayorBowser "The behavior that we are witnessing is shameful." In a newser, she says Va and Md State Police will restore order in the US Capitol. DC's Acting Police Chief Robert Contee says rioters used gas to gain entrance to US Capitol.
Sep 5, 2020 7 tweets 2 min read
Some thoughts about anonymous sources: When a reporter paraphrases what “sources say,” the reporter doesn’t just think “that sounds good, I’ll go with it.” A person who shares information, but isn’t willing to be quoted, obviously has an agenda. Part of the reporter’s job is.... ...is to question the source’s credibility. A reporter who is willing to grant someone anonymity does it knowing that he/she is basing their credibility on what the source is telling them. Personally, I’m not willing to risk my credibility by granting anonymity to someone who...
Jun 2, 2020 27 tweets 5 min read
First on WTOP: U.S. Park Police is explaining its decision-making in clearing Lafayette Square, at least 20 minutes before DC's 7p curfew, on night 4 of protests.... A source says tear gas was never used -- instead smoke cannisters were deployed, which don't have an uncomfortable irritant in them. And, the source says Park Police didn't know President Trump would be walking across the park several minutes later. Park Police say...
Nov 5, 2019 15 tweets 4 min read
Coming up on 10 years of #iphonereporting — using iPhones, iPad, and other mobile devices to report the news @WTOP — the all news radio station in Washington, DC. Having heard dozens of proclamations about “game changer” (and making a few myself), I’ve compiled 10 ACTUAL... Apps, pieces of equipment, functions, etc. that have actually changed my job and workflow, as a multi-platform reporter, using an iPhone. Starting with 10: Camera+ app. There are other far-more advanced and nuanced photo editing apps, the presets on Camera + are good/easy to use.
Dec 5, 2018 8 tweets 2 min read
What the jury doesn't know in James Alex Fields murder case in Charlottesville: With the jury out of the room, after the prosecution made its case, the defense made a motion to strike most of the indictments, saying the prosecution hadn't proven...

wtop.com/virginia/2018/… ...1st degree murder or malicious wounding. The judge denied the motion, saying the evidence DID show intent: "I'm not sure what else his intent could have been," Judge Richard Moore said. Also, Moore said Fields could have left scene, even though he said he felt threatened...