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🌱 Patch AM: How much slower are Greenbelt’s fire and EMS responses now?

Spotted on the Greenbelt calendar: The Roustabouts

Friday September 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Greetings Greenbelt! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much slower are Greenbelt's fire and EMS responses now?
  • What happened when Greenbelt's firefighter case went to court?
  • Did one of Greenbelt's big Racetrax wins happen at your store?

Also on today's calendar: 23rd Greenbelt Blues Festival and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What day of the year is trucker's day? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Clouds and sun, with a high of 85 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Saturday: Pleasant with periods of sun, temps: high: 78, low: 65.
  • Sunday: An afternoon t-storm; humid, with a high of 83 and low of 65 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Key Takeaways in Greenbelt Fire, EMS Response Time Increases (greenbeltnewsreview.com) — Emergency response times in Greenbelt have slowed compared with 2024, even though call volumes are down and the city still has 24/7 EMS coverage for now. New data obtained via a records request show slower responses in most call categories and highlight especially concerning delays for advanced life support. With planned EMS staffing cuts and ongoing litigation over removed career firefighters, residents could see further impacts.
   

2. Greenbelt Has Day in Court Over Firefighters, with No Rebuttal (greenbeltnewsreview.com) — Greenbelt finally had its day in Maryland's appellate court over the county's removal of career firefighters, and the county's lawyers didn't show up to argue. City leaders say longer response times and loss of 24/7 staffing are hurting residents, and they're asking judges to push the county toward a true partnership that recognizes local investment and volunteer support.
   

3. $210K lottery ticket sold at Maryland convenience store tops week of big wins (shorenewsnetwork.com) — Greenbelt lottery players had a lucky week, with Racetrax tickets sold in town paying out more than $10,000 each as part of over $30 million in statewide winnings. While a $210,745 FAST PLAY jackpot in West Friendship topped the list, multiple big prizes also hit in nearby communities, and some tickets remain unclaimed at Maryland Lottery centers.
   

4. Editor Anna Bedford-Dillow Brings New Level of Reporting (greenbeltnewsreview.com) — Greenbelt's own community newspaper has a new editor, Anna Bedford-Dillow, whose investigative work has expanded coverage of county schools, fire staffing, and federal decisions affecting local workers. Living in Greenbelt for about 15 years, she's deepening ties with city officials, volunteers, and student journalists while urging more residents, especially from Greenbelt East and West, to write and share neighborhood stories.
   

5. NASA's Roman Space Telescope Activates Its Main Instrument As Coronagraph Tests Begin (dailygalaxy.com) — Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt are celebrating a major milestone as the Roman Space Telescope's main camera successfully captures its first starlight and begins careful calibration. Local engineers are also testing the telescope's advanced coronagraph, which could pioneer new ways to see distant exoplanets. Their work brings Roman closer to full science operations expected to begin in the coming years.
   

📸 Around Greenbelt

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Group 1 Automotive posted a job opening for Automotive Service Advisor - Group 1 Toyota Certified Capital Plaza in Lanham. Apply here.
  • LIDL posted a job opening for Store Associate (Full Time) - Lanham, MD in Lanham. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Greenbelt here.

Ok Greenbelt! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: 10-4, good buddy! (Thank you Jean H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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