Washington’s Top News – Friday, July 11, 2014

Here’s a look at some of the day’s top stories from WTOP:

Possible compromise emerges on border request

As the Homeland Security agency on the border says it will run out of money soon, possible compromise is emerging on Capitol Hill that would more quickly send back minors arriving from Central America.

Republicans have demanded speedier deportations, and congressional Democratic leaders have left the door open on the issue. However, some key Democratic senators are opposed.

Chinese hackers ‘getting faster and smarter’

Hackers linked to the Chinese and Russian governments and cyber criminals infiltrate U.S. networks millions of times a day. WTOP’s National Security Correspondent, J.J. Green, talks with the new National Counterintelligence Executive about how the NSA can respond.

Judge says gay marriage licenses can be issued

A Colorado judge ruled Thursday that same-sex couples can continue to get married in the state, even though Colorado’s gay marriage ban is still in effect.

Denver’s clerk says she’ll also begin issuing marriage licenses to gay couples, and Pueblo County’s clerk says he’ll begin issuing same sex marriage licenses Friday morning.

Shooting suspect had a history

Authorities say a man charged with killing six members of his ex-wife’s family in Spring, Texas, had a history of domestic violence and was the subject of a restraining order obtained last week by his mother. Ronald Lee Haskell is accused of shooting in the head his ex-wife’s sister, her husband and four children, ages 4 to 14. Only the family’s 15-year-old daughter survived, but she was critically wounded.

In a connected world, consumers face ‘lock-in wars’

As Apple and Google introduce waves of interconnected gadgets, users will have to deal with “lock-in” — you will have to buy all other gadgets from the same company if you want them to all to be linked. On our Tech page, Greg Stebben, of Men’s Health, explains what it means to you.

The daiquiri: Steeped in D.C. history, not red dye

A frozen, red, sugary drink with an umbrella? That’s not a daiquiri. On our Living page, WTOP uncovers the myths and history of summer’s darling drink — which came from D.C.

Going ape

Listen to film critic Jason Fraley’s review of the new “Planet of the Apes” movie on WTOP, then head to the Entertainment page click on a video gallery of the best primate characters in pop culture.

Leveling the playing field

On our Sports page, read about the Baltimore Orioles’ head groundskeeper, one of the few women in the profession.

Prepare for I-95 delays

Heading south on I-95 for a weekend getaway? VDOT tells WTOP’s Ari Ashe that the Express Lanes project is nearly done, but you should still prepare for delays.

Landmark thermometer relit after renovation

A giant thermometer rising from the Southern California desert is once again a beacon for tourists headed to and from Las Vegas.

The 134-foot roadside attraction (to commemorate the highest temperature ever recorded, 134 degrees in Death Valley) in Baker was relit Thursday after a major renovation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on WTOP Facebook page.

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