Racial Slurs Get 2 Classic Novels Banned | Patch PM

Stories to talk about this evening:

Classic Books Banned in Virginia School System Over Racial Slur

Two classic novels in American literature have been banned from classrooms and libraries of an Eastern Shore school district in Virginia. Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," and Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" contain racial slurs, and a parent complained to the Accomack County School Board after her bi-racial son told her he was uncomfortable having to read the books. >>> Read more.

Washington Monument Closed Until 2019; Repair Money Pledged

The Washington Monument — closed to the public for possibly three years as officials battle continuing problems with its elevator — will be repaired and its troublesome elevator modernized, federal officials said Friday. >>> Read more.

Women's March on Washington Organizers: Don't Worry, We're Marching Jan. 21

Fear not, attendees of the upcoming Women's March on Washington: the march will happen on time and on schedule, despite initial permitting obstacles. That's what organizers of the march, which currently has 128,000 signups on its Facebook page, are telling everyone after reports surfaced that they were having difficulties securing a permit for the huge march on the National Mall on Jan. 21, the day after Donald Trump's inauguration as president. >>> Read more.

Loaded Gun Detected in Carry-On Bag at Dulles Airport

• TSA security officers stopped a man from bringing a loaded .40 caliber handgun onto a flight at Dulles Airport.

'The Great Chocolate Race 2016' to Cause Major Road Closures in Arlington

• Arlington will be one of five cities to host the race, which will help kick off the holiday shopping season in Rosslyn.

Virginia Lottery Under Way for Rare Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon

• Rare whiskey is released once a year in small quantities as part of the "antique collection" of Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Va. and D.C. networks. The Patch community platform covers communities across the area.