Pomfret
GOVERNMENT
Charles health officer pushes 'Blue Zones' designation
Charles County could begin the process of becoming a Blue Zone, which examines community health and strives to have citizens live longer. “It’s about health, and anything that’s going to improve the health of Charles County is an interest to me,” Dr. Dianna Abney, health officer for the county, said at the June 25 commissioners' meeting. “A healthier Charles County is the vision of the health department.” Abney told the...
1 in 20 students drop out of school in Charles County
Charles public schools' dropout rate approximately doubled from 2019 to 2023, according to information presented at a recent school board meeting. Kevin Lowndes, chief of teaching and learning for the school system, presented the most current data during the board of education’s work session on June 17, showing the county’s dropout rate, which was less than 3% in 2019, increased to almost 6% in 2023. This increased dropout rate indicates...
AW139 helicopter arrives at Joint Base Andrews
The Nuclear Emergency Support Team welcomed the arrival of its new AW139 helicopter at Joint Base Andrews, June 17, enhancing its nuclear emergency response capabilities. As a mission partner at Joint Base Andrews, NEST is a specialized unit under the National Nuclear Security Administration responsible for a full range of nuclear emergency response missions, to include preventive radiological detection, radiological consequence management, and nuclear forensic analysis. The AW139 will join...
Charles school board approves elementary redistricting plan
The Charles County Board of Education at its June 11 meeting approved an elementary school redistricting plan that will create an attendance zone for the new Margaret Jamieson Thornton Elementary School, set to open in August 2025. The approved plan moves 1,044 existing students from the following schools: Berry, Billingsley, William A. Diggs, Mary H. Matula, T.C. Martin, Arthur Middleton, Walter J. Mitchell, J.P. Ryon and William B. Wade elementary schools. ...
Prince George's County Council approves permanent rent increase cap
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Prince George's County Council unanimously approved a rent increase cap, becoming the second county in Maryland to approve rent stabilization legislation. The bill establishes a 3% cap plus inflation, or 6%, whichever is lower. However, buildings constructed after 2000 would be exempt. District 7...
Prince George's County greenlights construction of 8 new schools
LARGO, Md. — Prince George's County Council has greenlit a resolution to move forward with a project to build eight new schools in the county through a mix of public and private funds. The approval comes after the county council was unable to get the necessary votes to advance...
Public hearing on SMECO rate increase set
The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a public comment hearing next week on the rate increase request filed in May by the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). The utility’s customer-members and other interested parties are welcome to take part in the hearing before Public Utility Law Judge Christine L. Burke. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. at SMECO's Headquarters, 15035 Burnt Store Road in Hughesville. The hearing will also have a virtual option for those unable to attend...
Md. Health Department using targeted outreach to tackle pre-diabetes this summer
It’s not your imagination. You really have been seeing more health prevention ads in your social media feed. If you live in one of Maryland’s high health risk areas for diabetes, heart attack, stroke or other chronic diseases, Maryland’s Department of Health is actively looking for you.
Dumfries woman named Prince William County’s Foster Parent of the Year
Dumfries resident Linda Cheeks is a salon owner, avid volunteer, veteran – and mother to many. The last role is what earned her the title of Prince William County 2024 Foster Parent of the Year from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. In addition to raising her daughter (who...
Prince George’s Co. helping students get school supplies for the new year
This is part of WTOP’s continuing coverage of people making a difference in our community, reported by Stephanie Gaines-Bryant. Read more of that coverage. Buying school supplies can be difficult for some families, especially if they’re already struggling to put food on the table. That’s why Prince George’s County is back with its annual Stuff TheBus Back to School Supply Drive.
Prince George's Co. makes adjustments to trash pick up due to heat
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Four deaths were reported in Prince George’s County, one in Anne Arundel, and one in Baltimore City because of extreme heat, which is expected to continue across the D.C. region. The Maryland Department of Health says the following are signs to watch out...
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.