Reporter, @WTOP. In 2010 was 1st radio reporter using iPhone as main field production device. naugenstein@wtop.com. Stage 4 #lungcancer survivor since 11/2022.
Washington, DC
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Over on Bluesky, I’m nealaugenstein.bsky.social
Hope to see you there, too!
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Richard Collins III's graduation gown draped over front row chairs at Bowie State University ceremony. He was murdered Saturday.
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'Flags In' tradition underway at Arlington National Cemetery. Members of Old Guard place American flags one boot-length from the headstone's base. 260,000 flags are being placed before cemetery opens. @WTOP
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A week from today is my 1st CT scan since dx of Stage IV EGFR-mutated #lungcancer. I started targeted therapy in Dec. One pill a day, cough is gone, feeling terrific. My favorite tree in the backyard is starting to bud. Spring brings hope. ❤️to all
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Happy hour! Out of surgery for #lungcancer. I can’t tell I’m down one lobe. Briefly saw surgeon—he says “we got it.” Been walking, drinking ginger ale, eating saltines. Still have chest tube in. Will be going to room one n a few. ❤️Love to all.
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‘No new metastatic disease:’ Good news in 1st CT scan, 2 months after lobectomy, and continuing one-pill-a-day targeted therapy for Stage 4 #lungcancer. In Dec it was in both lungs and lymph nodes. In April I was NED (no evidence of disease). Now, scans every few months. 🫁💊🥳
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BREAKING: Judge sentences James Alex Fields, Jr to life in prison plus 419 years for murder of Heather Heyer and malicious wounding of others in Charlottesville.
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BREAKING: Life in prison with no chance of parole for James Alex Fields, Jr in his sentence for 29 hate crimes involved w driving his car into protesters in Charlottesville, killing Heather Heyer.
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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...
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Pretty much best possible news from today’s bronchoscopy for stage 4 #lungcancer. Pending biopsy, Tagrisso resolved all lymph nodes, other lesions, only thing left is what’s left of original tumor. Looking good for surgery (and Tagrisso) for long term success. ❤️to all.
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Good news popped up on my phone on my way out of pulmonary rehab — my yearly brain MRI came back clear. #Lungcancer often metastasizes to the brain. Thankfully, my one-pill-a day targeted therapy also reduces the risk of brain mets. 🫁🧠💪🎉❤️
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Capitol riot suspect in assault of DC police office has turned-over officer's muddy badge, that was buried in suspect's backyard in Buffalo. wtop.com/local/2021/03/capit…
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What a difference 5 months makes! In Nov I was dx w Stage 4 #lungcancer. Today my oncologist tells me I have No Evidence of Disease. 🎉NED is to cancerous tumors as remission is to blood cancers. The signs and symptoms of cancer are no longer present. It’s not ‘cured,’ but…
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...the reason the crowd was disbursed with smoke cannisters is that at that moment, officers were being pelted with water bottles. Another factor was that protesters had climbed on top of the structure at the north end of Lafayette Square that had been burned the day before.
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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....
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Good news on 1st CT scan since dx of Stage IV EGFR-mutated #lungcancer. Lesions shrinking, no new lesions elsewhere, thx to 1-pill-a-day osimertinib, the standard of care for my kind of cancer. ❤️to all.
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Giving thanks to my doctors at @InovaSchar. Last yr on this date I’d just been diagnosed w stage 4 lung cancer. Now, thanks to 1-pill a day targeted therapy, robotic lobectomy, warm thoughts from friends — IRL and here — I’m cancer-free. Thank you for all the love and support.
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Going home today after yesterday’s #lungcancer surgery!This Incentive Spirometer helps me expand my lungs. My wonderful surgeon just stopped by. My chest tube (which is kinda uncomfortable) is coming out this morning after breakfast. My assignment: Walk and breathe. ❤️Love to all
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As the sun was going down today, a couple things happened -- I realized I hadn't coughed all day, #lungcancer hadn't crossed my mind for several hours, and I was looking forward to dinner with my family, and the warmth of March. Things felt normal. And nice. Love to all. ♥️
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Judge: "The release of this defendant into a free society is simply too grave a risk to take."
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Before he was sentenced, Fields said: "I'd like to apologise for my actions and the hurt and loss I've caused. I apologize to my mother for all I've been putting her through. Every day I think about my actions. I'm sorry." He didn't apologize to Heather Heyer, or her parents..
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WTOP’s Neal Augenstein has ‘no evidence of disease,’ months after stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis wtop.com/inside-wtop/2023/04…
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Ready to battle lung cancer. And thank goodness for staging. Last week I learned I had adenocarcinoma in my left lung and a lymph node in the middle of my chest. A PET scan showed it in both lungs. So, Stage 4 is my starting point. Thursday I’ll begin targeted therapy — a pill I
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Great to be out for a walk in nature, a few days after robot-assisted lobectomy for #lungcancer. One pill a day targeted therapy killed cancerous tumors and nodes in both lungs. Removing lobe where cancer originated, continuing pill helps it not come back. ❤️to all.
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Each flag is placed one boot-length from the base of the headstones here at Arlington National Cemetery.
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Hi, Twitter friends. Over the past 2 months I've had a dry cough, suspicious x-rays, CAT scans. Last week, had a bronchoscopy w biopsy. It showed adenocarcinoma -- a slow-growing form of lung cancer -- that spread to a lymph node in the middle of my chest. A CT scan showed...
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Glad to report a clear CT scan. Been cancer-free for 14 months after dx w stage 4 #lungcancer in 11/22. Thanks @InovaSchar! Looking forward to a cancer awareness appearance and some music in the next few months. Details as I learn them!
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In theory it's possible another agency used tear gas, in addition to Park Police using smoke cannisters, but my source was on the scene, got a dose of smoke, but didn't feel the irritants of tear gas. Clearly, the phrase "tear gas" has been used widely in the reporting...
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All set for Friday's #lungcancer surgery! It's been a busy week, but I'll get a couple hours sleep tomorrow while my wonderful surgeon does a robot-assisted lobectomy. What's that you say? Patients diagnosed with Stage 4 can't have surgery? Well...
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One month into my targeted therapy for stage IV exon-mutated lung cancer, delighted to spend a cough-free morning in the @WTOP newsroom. Great to see everyone — even though it is radio :)
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Obviously, this is Park Police's side of the story. I'll be checking with @wtop reporters who were on the scene last night, to plug-in what they observed with what Park Police are telling me. Park Police will be releasing a statement later today.
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.@EricTrump stumps for his father on TV, before opening of Trump Intl Hotel, which "opens under budget, ahead of schedule."
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The dry cough I’ve had since Sept is almost gone. It was the warning sign that led to dx of EGFR-mutated lung cancer. Predictable rash from Tagrisso? Gone! Fever-free for 3 days w COVID. Ready to make my New Year’s resolution: Learn and share, be a great patient, enjoy. ❤️to all
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Alright, here we go. Left side marked, all set for #lungcancer surgery. Talk to you when I wake up! Zzzzz. ❤️to all
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Obviously folks in the White House will be asked today about the President's walk across Lafayette Square to St. John's Episcopal Church. But, my Park Police source says the agency made its decision to use smoke cannisters at that moment because of what was being thrown at...
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Last November I learned I had stage 4 lung cancer. After one-pill-a-day targeted therapy and lobectomy, I’m now free of cancer. November is @lungassociation’s “lung cancer awareness month”. So, it’s a great day to break out comfy hospital socks.
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A large American flag, draped over the Pentagon, near where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed, 18 years ago. 184 people died here on Sept. 11, 2001.
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..officers, not because President Trump planned to make an unannounced walk to the church. Park Police will be releasing a statement later today. We will keep asking questions.
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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.
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who were in the courtroom. He also made no comments about the hate he espoused, or dispute the evidence about his white supremacist words and actions.
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I know there will be ups & downs w stage 4 #lungcancer. This is an Up! 1st PET scan since taking Tagrisso shows "very nearly complete resolution" of shiny tumor, lymph node spread. I'll see my oncologist Weds. to see if surgery/radiation is next, which helps longterm! ♥️ to all.
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First trip to my oncologist since I’ve been NED — no evidence of disease. Lobectomy incisions have healed, still taking pill-a-day targeted therapy. With Stage 4 #lungcancer I’ll have a CT scan in a month or two. This waterfall sculpture is soothing — I’ll keep it in mind.
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There’s a first time for everything! Breathing’s getting better after #lungcancer surgery. Know what hurts? Yawning! But I’m walking a couple miles a day, which helps lung capacity improve. #lcsm
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People w lung cancer are more prone to get COVID. Tested positive for 1st time, after having low fever Sun, Mon. No fever today. Have to delay targeted therapy til Mon, since I’m immunocompromised. Tylenol/advil/cough meds, rest for now. Glad I’m boosted to the max. Love to all❤️
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My #lungcancer doctors were right, again. After lobectomy in April, they said I'd likely cough, but it would go away. On flight home from Orlando, I asked family: "Hey, I don't think I coughed at all on this trip, did I?" They agreed. :)
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Today’s the day :)
All set for Friday's #lungcancer surgery! It's been a busy week, but I'll get a couple hours sleep tomorrow while my wonderful surgeon does a robot-assisted lobectomy. What's that you say? Patients diagnosed with Stage 4 can't have surgery? Well...
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Nice surprise at oncologist. Left is CT scan of Stage 4 EGFR #lungcancer in Nov. Right is last wks clearer scan - 1st since one-a-day osimertinib. Still need PET scan (& maybe bronchoscopy) but chance I can have surgery/radiation to remove main tumor/lymph nodes. Now, I wait. :)
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Richard Collins III is posthumously awarded his degree in Business Administration. His family accepted the honor.
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WTOP’s Neal Augenstein: Back to work, feeling great after robot-assisted lung cancer surgery wtop.com/inside-wtop/2023/04…
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Very excited. After success of one-pill-a-day Tagrisso for stage 4 #lungcancer, plan from wonderful treatment team @InovaSchar is for lobectomy Fri, to improve chances of cancer never coming back.
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BREAKING: Flood alert sirens sounding in historic Ellicott City. This is from Hollis Karr's window, in Oella section, across Patapsco River. Sirens mean get to higher ground.
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Sure, it sucked being diagnosed w stage 4 #lungcancer last Nov. With one-pill-a-day targeted therapy and robot-assisted lobectomy, I'm currently cancer-free. Here's my plan/hopes for future. wtop.com/inside-wtop/2023/10…
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A lot's happened since the day I learned I had lung cancer, almost a year ago. Starting Monday I’ll introduce you to my doctors who've taken me from stage 4 to NED -- no evidence of disease. So many hopeful developments in lung cancer treatment. Join us @WTOP? :)
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Family of 2nd Lt. Richard Collins III, in front rows of graduation ceremonies for Bowie State University. His gown is draped over seat.
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Life w #lungcancer — lab results can pop up on your phone w good news about the tablespoon of fluid drained Tuesday. 🎉🥄🫁
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What I was doing 65 years ago, this morning. Looking forward to many more. #lungcancer
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November will be 2 years since dx w stage 4 #lungcancer. With one-pill-a-day targeted therapy, lobectomy I’ve been cancer-free since May 2023. I still take Tagrisso, CT scan every 4 mos, blood biopsy every 6. Today was my twice-yearly brain MRI. All good.
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"When Dad comes home Saturday after #lungcancer surgery, he won't have cancer anymore. That doesn't mean he's 'cured,' since w Stage 4 (or any stage) it can recur. And he'll keep taking the targeted therapy that killed cancer in both lungs to reduce the chance of it coming back."
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Good news: My oncologist just called to say my CT scan is clear. Liquid biopsy takes a few days to come back. I'll let you know :)
Today marks two years since WTOP's Neal Augenstein was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. On his "cancerversary," he reflects on where he's been in his journey, and what comes next. wtop.com/inside-wtop/2024/11…
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Drone photo of today’s freight train derailment in Harper’s Ferry. Photo credit: Tim Drone.
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The graduation gown of Richard Collins III is draped in the front row. He was to graduate from Bowie State University today.
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Today is World Lung Cancer Day. Last year, I had no idea I’d be diagnosed w stage 4 #lungcancer. Since then I’ve taken one-pill-a-day targeted therapy, had a robot-assisted lobectomy, and am now NED — no evidence of disease :) Joining @Alison7News for 7News On Your Side at Noon.
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Heather Heyer's mother Susan Bro said she feels James Fields life plus 419 year sentence will send message to other white supremacists that it's unacceptable in Charlottesville and elsewhere.
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Nothing to see here — and that’s a good thing. Last week’s CT scan shows NED — no evidence of disease for #lungcancer. Had lobectomy in April. Scans every 3 months, keep on taking pill-a-day targeted therapy for the EGFR mutation. Dx w stage 4 Nov 2022. Feeling terrific :)
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Quick update: 9 pills in, no side effects. Needing less cough medicine, feeling a bit less rundown. Labs next week to make sure I’m tolerating Rx. First CT scan in about 3 months.
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My post-lobectomy cough is almost gone. Today’s my first pulmonary rehab session. Twice a week, 9 weeks. Nice to break a sweat, and give these #lungcancer-free (for now) lungs a workout! 🫁🚴♀️💪🪩🕺(Flashdance headband is attached to heart rate/oxygen meter)
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“No evidence of intracranial metastasis” — good news in my twice-yearly brain MRI as part of aggressive surveillance, since I’ve been cancer-free for two years after dx of stage 4 #lungcancer. (Admit I had to ask whether gown ties in front or back) 🫁👌🔬
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@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.
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Blood work every month on the morning I see my oncologist, to make sure my body’s tolerating targeted therapy for EGFR-mutated #lungcancer. The results pop up on my phone even before I see my doc — they look good to me. Let’s see what the doctor thinks :)
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In light of court ruling making masks optional in Loudoun County, asked @GovernorVA about importance of respecting others’ decision.
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Bronchoscopy day! Dad and Mom are leaving now. The doc’s gonna see if any lymph nodes are enlarged in the lung opposite my shrinking #lungcancer tumor. If not, Daddy can have surgery. If they are, it’s radiation. Both are good. Regardless, he’ll keep taking Tagrisso. ❤️to all
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Here at my hopeful place for #lungcancer. 3 months after my lobectomy, I’ll have a 15-minute local anesthesia procedure to drain a little fluid from my lung lining, which is very common after thoracic surgery. Should help w cough and getting winded w exertion.
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Not exactly my "happy place," but certainly my hopeful one. Here at Inova Schar for CT scan and liquid biopsy. Tomorrow marks 2 years since dx w stage 4 #lungcancer. After one-pill-day targeted therapy and lobectomy, I've been cancer free since May 2023. #lcsm #CanSky #OncoSky
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Great story. @nbcwashington reporter @shomaristone found a ticket for tonight’s outside Nats Park. He took to Twitter to find the fan who lost it. Great integrity, great journalism and sportsmanship, Shomari!
I found James! He lost his Washington @Nationals ticket and he was on his way to buy another one.
Enjoy the game James!
#NLCS #STAYINTHEFIGHT
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Here's the liquid biopsy results I was waiting for in my #lungcancer treatment. The simple blood test shows no evidence of cancer cells still circulating in (that vial of) my blood. So, with continuing one-pill-a-day targeted therapy, and lobectomy, I'm all clear for now :)
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National Guard is now in DC, as protests continue. Earlier, @MayorBowser said US Park Police had requested support from the Guard. My colleagues @ZekeHartnerWTOP and @aletweetsnews are downtown. @wtop
Looks like National Guard/Army is heading towards the protests now. This was minutes ago on 15th Ave NW
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This is what my targeted treatment for lung cancer looks like. One pill per day (cough drop, optional). This medicine — osimertinib — targets the EGFR mutation that biomarker testing identified for my particular biopsy. No chemo, radiation, surgery planned for right now.
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Good doctors, good medicine, good luck, good prayers -- and a robot's role in my going from stage 4 #lungcancer to no evidence of disease. wtop.com/inside-wtop/2023/10…
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WTOP’s Neal Augenstein: One-pill-a-day therapy clearing my stage 4 lung cancer, hoping for surgery wtop.com/inside-wtop/2023/03…
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Today is #WorldCancerDay. It's my first year w #lungcancer. So far, so good w my targeted therapy, but I'm lucky to have great doctors and great insurance. Here's to earlier screening, next gen Rx.
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My voice is hoarse this morning, but glad to share the good news from yesterday’s bronchoscopy for stage 4 #lungcancer. Joining @mbaschWTOP and @JohnAaronWTOP on 103.5FM, the @WTOP app and your smart speaker. All chocolate pudding, all morning, too!
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Truths about Billy Bush: 1. Some reporters act embarrassingly when courting sources. 2. Hot mics can haunt you.
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So happy to be WFH this morning, a couple days after my robotic-assisted #lungcancer surgery. See you on the radio, @WTOP. I’ll explain why/how I was able to have surgery, after being diagnosed w Stage 4 in November. And why coughing is now a GOOD thing for me :) #lcsm
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'Flags In' at Arlington National Cemetery. Members of the Old Guard placing flags one boot-length from base of each of 260,000 headstones, ahead of Memorial Day.
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Everyone chill. Plenty of gas to be had. Here at this Sheetz, off 50 in Chantilly, most of the pumps are unused. If you can avoid filling up every vehicle you own today, that’ll help. We’re all good.
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BTW, my hope and expectation is to WFH from a while. In radio studios, they often have a Cough Button, that the announcer can press, to quickly mute their mic for a second. I don't have one at home, but I can always re-record :)
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It’s now been 2 years cancer-free after being diagnosed w stage 4 #lungcancer. Aggressive surveillance goes on — CT scan every 4 months, brain MRI and liquid biopsy every 6. 🫁🧪🔬
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Heartbreaking news to report.
WTOP evening anchor Dimitri Sotis, whose deep, warm voice informed and kept listeners in the D.C. region company, has died at the age of 55. wtop.com/inside-wtop/2025/01…
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...starting treatment and learning a lot more about lung cancer than I ever thought I would :) And, of course, I'll keep you up to date. Love to all.
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Six years ago this morning I got leadless pacemaker. I'd fainted 5 times in 24 hours. After decades of AFib, my electrical connections were frayed. At one point my heart didn't beat for 20 seconds. Since then, all good. Thx, science.
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WTOP’s Neal Augenstein: Encouraging news in my lung cancer treatment wtop.com/inside-wtop/2023/02…
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Looking forward to starting treatment next week for my lung cancer. "I just want to keep working, because I love my job. I love being in touch with people I've made connections with, on the air, and off air, for the past 25 years."
When Neal Augenstein (@AugensteinWTOP) shared his lung cancer diagnosis on Twitter Sunday night, the well wishes and prayers began flowing in almost immediately. Learn more on WTOP, and find the full video here: wtop.com/local/2022/11/i-am-…
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The giant panda motorcade is on its way to the National Zoo. Stay w @WTOP and @WTOPtraffic.
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A Maryland man seen in a viral video assaulting three young people hanging up posters on the Capital Crescent Trail has pleaded guilty. wtop.com/montgomery-county/2…
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Me: "I'm the same size as Rob Gronkowski -- 6'6" and 265."
Wife: "It's distributed differently."
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