Washington Post Video

Today we continue our best videos of 2011 with more Washington-centric video storytelling. Jayne Orenstein and Ben de la Cruz bring us two pieces on the ‘Young Guns’ the hard hitting GOP conservatives who shaped the debt-ceiling debates. Additionally, you’ll see a side of the National Archives not often publicized, a look at the long-term effect of free college tuition promised to a group of underprivileged Maryland children in the 80s, and an escort’s view of a changing Washington.

How the ‘Young Guns’ shaped the federal spending debate (Produced by Jayne Orenstein)

The Washington Post’s Felicia Sonmez discusses the origins of the Young Guns, a group of GOP congressmen led by Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.), and how these key members shaped the debt ceiling showdown.

A Young Guns disciple (by Ben de la Cruz)

Congressman Jason Chaffetz of Utah is among a group of passionate, hard-charging conservatives who have been inspired by the aggressive tactics of GOP leaders Eric Cantor, Kevin McCarthy and Paul Ryan. The trio is known collectively as the Young Guns.

Recovering history: Team tracks stolen artifacts (by AJ Chavar)

The Archival Recovery Team, or ART, tracks down and recovers documents and artifacts that have been stolen from the National Archives and Records administration.

St. Mary’s Students Move onto Floating Dorm (by Alexandra Garcia)

Students at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, displaced from their residence halls because of a mold outbreak, find a new home: aboard the Sea Voyager.

Graduating from the ‘hood (by Whitney Shefte)

During his senior year at Northwestern High School, with only four credits left until he could graduate, William Smith dropped out of school. Several weeks later, he was violently attacked and left permanently debilitated. Without a high school diploma, Smith struggles to make ends meet for his family.

Night lives: Staci Daniel, escort (by Evelio Contreras)

Staci Daniel, 23, is an escort who has seen the K Street NW strip change over the years.