Masks are now optional on Metro after a federal judge in Florida ended the nationwide mask mandate for mass transit. WTOP’s Luke Lukert rode Metro this morning and talked to riders about the rule change and whether they’re ready to drop the mask on the train.
Then, WTOP’s John Domen takes us inside the Church of Latter-day Saints in Kensington, Maryland before it opens to the public. He shares what to expect and the meaning behind the design of the Mormon temple.

A jury in Fairfax County heard the opening statements in Johnny Depp’s $50 million defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife – Amber Heard – on Tuesday. She called herself a survivor of domestic and sexual abuse in a 2018 Washington Post opinion piece. WTOP’s Michelle Murillo talks about the gruesome details laid out during lawyers’ first address to Virginia jurors. Entertainment and arts attorney Kirk Schroder then breaks down the legal strategies within the case and what precedent it may set for future defamation cases in the Commonwealth. Additionally, WTOP’s John Domen shares his exclusive reporting on why a construction project on Maryland Route 210 is four years behind schedule.

Three months after hundreds of drivers sat stranded on I-95 for 24-hours, Virginia transportation officials released a report on what went wrong and what public transit authorities can do to make sure it never happens again. WTOP’s Dave Dildine talks about the unprecedented situation and details the report’s findings. WTOP’s Luke Lukert explains what actions politicians want to take from the report’s recommendations.