Jeff Clabaugh, WTOP-FM (Washington, DC) Journalist Profile

Articles

Canada’s Tim Hortons plans Maryland locations

3 days ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

Canadian fast food chain Tim Hortons, whose cross-border expansion has taken it to a dozen U.S. states, including one in Norfolk, Virginia, will open its first locations in Maryland. Toronto-based Tim Hortons is owned by Burger King parent company Restaurant Brands International. Annapolis-based Hyatt Commercial Brokerage is representing Tim Hortons in the Maryland search. Tim Hortons is popular for its coffee and sweets. Including Baileys Lattes and caramel brownie-filled doughnuts.
Virgina-based Capital One to become nation’s largest credit card company with Discover approval

6 days ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

Tysons, Virginia-based Capital One Financial is now the nation’s largest issuer of credit cards, or at least technically soon will be, after receiving final regulatory approval for its acquisition of Discover Financial. Capital One announced its intention to buy Discover in February 2024 in a deal valued at $35 billion. On Friday, the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approved the deal.
DC ranks No. 2 on one list of best cities for college graduates

1 week ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

The D.C. area has more than 400,000 students enrolled in area colleges and universities, according to the Washington D.C. Economic Partnership, and many of them will be graduating this spring. Deciding to stay in D.C. after graduation may be a good choice. Apartment Advisor ranks D.C. No. 2 on its list of Best Cities for College Grades 2025, behind Salt Lake City, Utah.
$100,000 doesn’t pay the bills for a small family in DC

1 week ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

A generation ago, $100,000 was considered an upper-middle class income. The median household income in the U.S. in 1984 was just under $59,000. Today, it is about $81,000. In the D.C. metro, the median household income is currently just over $106,000. But for a small family living in the region, that doesn’t pay the bills.
The number of craft brewers falls for the first time in a decade

1 week ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

Rising costs have hit the craft beer industry, with the overall number of craft brewers in the U.S. falling for the first time since 2005. The Brewers Association reports the total number of U.S. craft breweries fell to 9,680 last year, down from 9,747. In 2024, 434 new breweries opened, though 501 closed. New openings fell for the fourth consecutive year last year. Craft Brewers produced 23.1 million barrels of beer in 2024, a 4% decrease. Share by volume was unchanged at 13.3%.
Alexandria estate where George Washington once hunted listed for $10M

1 week ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

A four-acre estate with views of the Potomac River, said to be on the site of what had once been George Washington’s hunting lodge, is on the market for $9.95 million. Listed by Washington Fine Properties, “Clarens Estate,” at 318 North Quaker Lane, has a history that includes serving as a Civil War hospital and a school. The listing says the home was once the residence of James Murray Mason, a U.S. Senator and grandson of founding father George Mason.
4 years of free tuition in Virginia’s 529 sweepstakes

1 week ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

The Virginia529 College Savings Plan, launched in 1996, has changed its name from Virginia529 to Invest529. As part of the rebranding, it will award one sweepstakes winner a 529 account deposit worth four years of in-state tuition. “Our new name better reflects the full range of investing options we offer today, from education to disability to retirement,” said Mary Morris, CEO of Commonwealth Savers, which administers the state’s 529 plan.
Thinking about a kitchen renovation? Maybe pass on the full gut job

1 week ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

Home renovations boost resale value, but the National Association of Realtors’ annual “Joy Score” ranks renovation and remodel projects based on how good they make homeowners who are staying put feel. Americans spent an estimated $603 billion on home remodeling projects in 2024. The projects that get the highest Joy Scores upon completion are the addition of primary bedroom suites, and a perennial favorite, a kitchen remodel, both scoring 10 out of 10.
Growing travel with pets, including trips centered around them, boosts demand for pet travel insurance

1 week ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

More Americans are traveling with their pets, and not on just any vacation. There is growing interest in travel specifically centered around pets and the travel industry is paying attention. “Luxury pet travel is one of the top niche travel trends that consumers are spending on. Travel that involves luxury doggie spa treatments, fine dining doggie meal menus, and dog-specific airlines have even launched as well,” said Lauren Gumport, with app-based boutique travel insurance company Faye Travel.
Should you show your kids your paycheck? DC group says ‘Yes,’ if they ask

1 week ago | wtop.com | Jeff Clabaugh

Financial literacy courses are now required in 27 states, and studies have shown the benefits. A report by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Investor Education Foundation said students who have taken personal finance courses in high school have better average credit scores and lower debt delinquency rates in early adulthood. But the courses may still be missing the mark.