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🌱 Patch AM: How a Greenbelt federal case exposed a long‑running benefits scam

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Wednesday September 16th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Greenbelt! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Greenbelt federal case exposed a long‑running benefits scam
  • How Greenbelt scientists just helped "open the eyes" of a new telescope
  • Why a loaded gun at a local courthouse led to prison

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

Today's riddle: What is the difference between black eyed peas and chick peas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 85 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Thursday: Very warm with sun and clouds, temps: high: 86, low: 68. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 85 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Maryland man sentenced for disability benefits scam (irs.gov) — A recent federal sentencing in Greenbelt highlights how investigators uncovered a long‑running Social Security disability benefits fraud involving a Maryland man who secretly ran cleaning businesses while collecting benefits. While the defendant is from Ft. Washington, the case was handled through the Greenbelt federal courthouse, underscoring the role of local federal authorities in policing benefit scams across the region.
   

• NASA Activates Roman's Primary Instrument, Checks Out Coronagraph (nasa.gov) — Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt have successfully activated the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's powerful Wide Field Instrument, confirming it's working in space. Teams in Greenbelt and California also checked out the advanced Coronagraph, a technology aimed at directly imaging distant planets. These milestones keep the mission on track for releasing its first detailed science images by early 2027.
   

• Washington DC Felon Sentenced for Illegally Possessing Firearm (justice.gov) — A Washington, DC man was sentenced in Greenbelt federal court to more than five years in prison after security found a loaded handgun in his bag at the Prince George's County courthouse. For Greenbelt residents, the case underscores ongoing regional efforts, including Project Safe Neighborhoods, to keep guns out of the hands of people legally barred from possessing them.
   

📸 Around Greenbelt

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Greenbelt

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📣 Greenbelt Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • 7-eleven posted a job opening for Assistant Store Leader (Assistant Manager) in Bladensburg. Apply here.
  • Popeyes posted a job opening for Popeyes Assistant Manager - Adelphi, MD in Hyattsville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Greenbelt here.

🗞 Nearby News

College Park

  • UMD says Purple Line 90% complete, testing will continue through fall semester (dbknews.com)
  • Where to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the DC area (wtop.com)
  • Berries and Bowls celebrates grand opening of new College Park location (dbknews.com)

Beltsville

  • Fourteen Letters, and Now USDA: Ten House Members Ask Why Federal Cyclospora Research Was Shelved. CDC Says the Outbreak Is Over. The Answers Are Not In, and There Is Still No Hearing. (marlerblog.com)

Silver Spring

  • Gunfire Reported In Silver Spring, Suspected Shooter At Large: Police (patch.com)

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: Black eyed peas can sing us a song but chick peas can only hummus one. (Thank you Bev H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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