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Washington County Government Public Relations Department Provides Public Information and Ensures FOIA Compliance

Washington County Government Public Relations Department Provides Public Information and Ensures FOIA Compliance

The Public Relations and Marketing Department of Washington County Government serves as the primary source for disseminating general information about the county to the public. This department also acts as a crucial resource for all Washington County Divisions and Departments, facilitating internal and external communications. A core function of the department is to uphold the public's right to information regarding local government operations. All requests for information are processed diligently and in strict accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Maryland Public Information Act guidelines. This commitment ensures transparency and accessibility for citizens seeking details on county affairs. The department's mission is to strategically manage the communication needs of Washington County through factual endeavors, public education, responsible promotion, and community building. Their vision is to be the trusted first source of communication on behalf of the County, leading efforts t...
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Meet the record 5 Black governors elected to lead states

Meet the record 5 Black governors elected to lead states

Four historic election wins, plus one reelection, mean a record five Black governors will serve simultaneously for the first time in U.S. history.
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NOAA's National Weather Service Seeks Supervisory IT Specialist for Automated Surface Observing System Operations

NOAA's National Weather Service Seeks Supervisory IT Specialist for Automated Surface Observing System Operations

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), specifically its National Weather Service (NWS), is seeking to fill a Supervisory IT Specialist position. This vacancy is located within the Office of Systems (SYS), Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) Operations and Monitoring Center (AOMC) in College Park, Maryland. The role is open to current or former federal employees with permanent competitive status, individuals eligible under non-competitive appointing authorities (such as those with disabilities or recent graduates), veterans, and NOAA Corps members. Key requirements for applicants include U.S. citizenship, suitability for federal employment as determined by a background investigation, and registration for Selective Service if applicable. The position requires a Moderate Risk Security Clearance and may involve a one-year probationary period for both general employment and supervisory duties. The selected candidate will be responsible for IT-related tasks demonstrating competencies i...
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Department of Veterans Affairs Seeks Assistant Fire Chief for Perry Point Medical Center

Department of Veterans Affairs Seeks Assistant Fire Chief for Perry Point Medical Center

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is actively recruiting for an Assistant Fire Chief at its Perry Point, Maryland, facility. This position is one of three Assistant Fire Chiefs within the Fire Protection Section of the Safety and Occupational Health Service. The role involves working a 48-hour shift, contributing to a 72-hour work week. The primary responsibility is fire protection for a 450-bed Medical Center, which is part of the VA Maryland Health Care System, encompassing three medical centers and several outreach centers. The Assistant Fire Chief will oversee fire prevention, fire protection, and fire suppression activities across the partially wooded 400-acre Perry Point Medical Center campus. Key duties include daily operations management, assigning firefighters, scheduling inspections and training, ensuring equipment maintenance, and assisting the Fire Chief in administering safety and fire protection programs. The incumbent will also respond to alarms, direct firefighters and Medical Center ...
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Annapolis and Eastern Shore Reach Peak Fall Foliage, Maryland DNR Warns of Wildfire Season Start

Annapolis and Eastern Shore Reach Peak Fall Foliage, Maryland DNR Warns of Wildfire Season Start

Annapolis and the Eastern Shore of Maryland have reached their peak fall foliage, displaying vibrant colors of bold maples and ochre oaks, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This marks the best viewing window for the Bay-area and the last for much of the state. Western Maryland is now past its peak, with leaves falling despite calm, dry weather. The DNR's November 5 foliage report indicates that Baltimore County and the Mid-Shore are also at peak, while Somerset and Worcester counties are approaching or at peak, respectively. Concurrently, the DNR has issued a warning that the end of foliage season signifies the beginning of fall wildfire season, urging residents to exercise extreme caution with outdoor fires due to dry, leaf-covered ground.
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The 2028 election season begins as both parties navigate midterm fallout

The 2028 election season begins as both parties navigate midterm fallout

The final midterm votes are still being counted, but make no mistake, the next election season has already begun
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Maryland Utilities to Issue $160 Million in State Tax Refunds to Customers

Maryland Utilities to Issue $160 Million in State Tax Refunds to Customers

Maryland utilities BGE, Pepco, and Delmarva Power are set to return $160 million in state tax refunds to their customers. This development follows a ruling by the Maryland Supreme Court, which determined that these utilities should have been exempt from state sales taxes previously paid on transmission and distribution equipment. The exact amount and timing of these refunds for individual customers are currently undetermined. Exelon, the parent company of all three utilities, has stated that these refunds are intended to provide short-term relief to ratepayers while the company advocates for long-term policies and regulations beneficial to all. This initiative is part of a broader effort by states and utilities to address rising energy costs, particularly as home heating expenses are projected to increase significantly this winter. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) forecasts an 8.7% rise in average heating costs, with heating oil costs potentially climbing by 31.3% due to global ...
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Mayor Brandon M. Scott Advocates for Literacy and Historical Education in Baltimore

Mayor Brandon M. Scott Advocates for Literacy and Historical Education in Baltimore

Mayor Brandon M. Scott has emphasized the critical role of reading and comprehensive historical education for young people in Baltimore. In an email statement regarding the 'Reading is Freedom' activation at the Baltimore Book Festival, Mayor Scott highlighted the increasing censorship and book bans occurring nationwide. He asserted Baltimore's commitment to teaching the 'whole truth' of history, believing it will cultivate stronger future leaders. The Mayor's comments align with broader initiatives in Maryland, such as the #ReadMoreMaryland campaign championed by Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, which aims to engage families and communities in reading. Baltimore City Councilwoman Odette Ramos also played a role in moving the annual book festival to Waverly, underscoring the city's dedication to celebrating books rather than banning them. This collective effort by civic and literary leaders aims to foster a love for reading and critical thinking among the youth, viewing it as a pathway to personal freedom a...
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Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy is discharged from hospital after a stroke and goes to rehab facility

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy is discharged from hospital after a stroke and goes to rehab facility

Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy says he has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a stroke last weekend and will miss “several weeks” of votes in the Senate as he recovers in a rehabilitation facility
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Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy is discharged from the hospital after a stroke, goes to rehab facility

Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy is discharged from the hospital after a stroke, goes to rehab facility

Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy says he has been discharged from the hospital after suffering a stroke last weekend and will miss “several weeks” of votes in the Senate as he recovers in a rehabilitation facility
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Momiji Sushi Izakaya Opens in Downtown Silver Spring, Offering Japanese Cuisine

Momiji Sushi Izakaya Opens in Downtown Silver Spring, Offering Japanese Cuisine

Momiji Sushi Izakaya Opens in Downtown Silver Spring, Offering Japanese Cuisine
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Onelife Fitness Expands Across East Coast with New Clubs and Multi-Million Dollar Renovations

Onelife Fitness Expands Across East Coast with New Clubs and Multi-Million Dollar Renovations

Onelife Fitness Expands Across East Coast with New Clubs and Multi-Million Dollar Renovations